Democratic Party Denies Charges in 'National Assembly Fast-Track Clash' Trial: "No Assault Occurred"

Na Kyung-won, floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, and affiliated lawmakers are holding signs reading "Oppose the Election System Fast Track" and shouting slogans at an emergency party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. The four ruling and opposition parties, excluding the Liberty Korea Party, are conducting final negotiations to simultaneously fast-track the election system and prosecution reform bills. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Former and current members and party officials of the Democratic Party of Korea, who were indicted in the 'National Assembly Fast-Track (Rapid Processing Agenda) Clash Incident,' denied the charges in court.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Oh Sang-yong) held a preparatory hearing on the 26th for 10 individuals, including former and current Democratic Party members and party officials such as Park Beom-gye, Kim Byung-wook, Park Joo-min, Lee Jong-gul, and Pyo Chang-won, who were indicted on charges of joint assault.

The defendants' attorneys denied the prosecution's allegations, stating, "There was physical contact during the process of holding positions or resisting being pushed, but there was no assault such as pushing or pulling."

The prosecution indicted these 10 individuals earlier this year, alleging that they assaulted or injured members and officials of the Liberty Korea Party (now the United Future Party) in connection with this incident last year. The formal trial for these individuals is scheduled for the 23rd of next month.

The prosecution also indicted 27 related persons, including former Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, alleging that Liberty Korea Party members and officials at the time confined former member Chae Yi-bae in his office and occupied the Legislative Affairs Office, the Special Committee on Political Reform, and the Special Committee on Judiciary meetings, thereby obstructing Democratic Party members and Legislative Affairs Office staff from receiving bills and holding meetings. However, the trial preparation process is prolonged due to the extensive video evidence submitted by the prosecution and the large number of people involved in the case. The formal trial for former Liberty Korea Party officials is scheduled for the 21st of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.