Strengthening National Security: Military Courts to be Reinstated

Responding to Increased Espionage Threats, the Government Announces Plans to Restore Military Court System

The government has announced plans to reinstate military judges to adjudicate cases involving espionage and other offenses committed by service members.

This decision follows a noted increase in attempts to compromise national security.

Military judges will be reintroduced to handle criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel accused of serious offenses.

These offenses include treason, aiding the enemy, leaking classified information, dereliction of duty, and insubordination.

The number of individuals prosecuted for espionage has risen considerably, with both retired and active military personnel increasingly targeted in these efforts.

Civil courts have also seen an increase in the number of military-related cases in recent years.

The military court system was previously disbanded.

The proposed changes would apply to crimes committed by serving members of the military during peacetime.

Implementation of the proposed changes will require legislative approval.

Historical concerns about the military trial system included issues of judicial independence and transparency.

The government has defended the reinstatement of military judges and other measures to counter infiltration.

These measures are in response to increasing instances of activities that undermine national security.

The Ministry of National Defense has acknowledged the past challenges and is committed to conducting a comprehensive review to guarantee that due process is upheld.

The ministry stated that military courts will handle military-related offenses, while general criminal offenses will remain under civilian court jurisdiction.

Offenses against allegiance to the nation will be tried in military courts, and other crimes will be handled by the judiciary.

The ministry will establish military courts and prosecutors' offices, and it will regulate the authorities and uphold their independence.

A personnel management act will also be created to regulate the appointments, dismissals, promotions, transfers, and evaluations of military judges.

Prospective military judges are expected to have military experience.

The ministry will comprehensively examine and amend the Military Trial Act to uphold fair trials and protect human rights, military discipline, and national security.

The armed forces have undertaken various efforts to train military judges, and the reestablishment is aimed at ensuring the ability to enforce military discipline and protect human rights during wartime.