Former Lawmaker Hwang Ju-hong, Accused of Election Law Violations, Admits to Some Charges in First Trial

by Cho Seongpill

Published 20 Oct.2020 15:10(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Former lawmaker Hwang Ju-hong, who was detained and indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, partially admitted to providing money and goods during his first trial.

The 1st Criminal Division of the Suncheon Branch of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Song Baek-hyun) held the first hearing on the afternoon of the 20th for Hwang and 20 others who were indicted without detention on charges of providing or receiving money and goods. Hwang’s defense attorney stated, "He admits to a significant portion of the prosecution’s allegations regarding the provision of money and goods," but denied the charges related to setting up an election office and providing money and goods to volunteers. Other defendants who appeared in court also strongly denied some of the charges.

Hwang was indicted on charges of providing voters with money and goods worth about 87 million won, meals, and congratulatory and condolence money ahead of the 21st general election. It was investigated that he, in collusion with secretary A and others, attempted to bribe voters in the electoral district by providing about 77 million won in 33 instances from February to April this year, and made donations by delivering meals, condolence money, and gifts dozens of times from February last year to April this year. The prosecution also found that Hwang provided 70.7 million won to 77 volunteers, who are prohibited from receiving benefits under the election law, and set up an institution similar to an election office in Beolgyo-eup. After the prosecution began investigations, including a search of his residence in June, Hwang cut off contact and went into hiding but was arrested on the 7th.