Prosecution Seeks 8-Month Prison Sentence for Anseong Mayor Kim Bora on Election Law Violation Charges

Published 30 Jun.2021 19:00(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for Kim Bora, mayor of Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, who was indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

At the sentencing hearing for Mayor Kim held on the 30th at the Pyeongtaek Branch of Suwon District Court, Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Kim Seyong), the Criminal Division 2 of the Pyeongtaek Branch of Suwon District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Im Sejin) requested an eight-month prison sentence.

The prosecution argued, "Even the defendant's son participated in signing the support petition," and added, "Considering that the election campaign had support signature sheets during the Election Commission's investigation, the facts of the crime are proven." They continued, "The defendant denies the charges despite committing illegal acts," and stated, "Since there is no sign of remorse, we request a prison sentence."

Mayor Kim's side stated, "We were not informed in advance about the support declaration containing signatures from about 2,000 voters," and explained, "The visit to the Anseong Facilities Management Corporation office was to discuss policies with the Korean Federation of Trade Unions, a policy partner." They also claimed, "Based solely on the evidence submitted by the prosecution, it cannot be said that the crime has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt," asserting innocence.

Earlier, the prosecution indicted Mayor Kim on charges of illegal election campaigning, alleging that in January last year, he created a list of supporters including signatures from about 2,000 constituents, and from March 30 to April 10 of the same year, he visited the Anseong Facilities Management Corporation office seven times, handing out business cards.