"Request to Judge by Expert Investigation Advisory Group" Channel A Reporter Suspected of Collusion Between Prosecution and Media, Petition for Summons to Supreme Prosecutors' Office

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Channel A reporter Lee (35), who is under investigation by the prosecution over the so-called 'media-prosecution collusion' allegations, has requested the prosecution to entrust the decision on whether to indict him to a special investigation advisory panel.

Lee's attorney announced on the 15th that they submitted a petition to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on the afternoon of the 14th, requesting the convening of the special investigation advisory panel.

The special investigation advisory panel is an advisory body convened by the Prosecutor General to deliberate on whether to file charges in important cases. It is composed of active prosecutors, university professors, and legal experts.

Lee's attorney explained the background, saying, "While multiple searches and seizures were conducted at the residences of Channel A reporters and Lee, and forensic procedures and summons investigations were promptly carried out, investigations into other related parties have not been properly conducted, resulting in a significant loss of 'procedural legitimacy.' There were also illegal and unfair investigative procedures, such as proceeding with forensic procedures without returning illegally seized items."

He also stated, "Although legally the charge of attempted coercion cannot be established, we regret that a balanced and restrained investigation was not conducted, and we have reached the conclusion that it is difficult to fully trust the current investigative team's 'investigation conclusion.' We seek a fair judgment solely based on the law and principles, following the procedures and legal reasoning of the Criminal Procedure Act."

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