Civil Society Groups: "Pardon and Parole of Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong Acknowledge Unequal Justice"

Press conference opposing the pardon and parole of Lee Jae-yong. (Photo by Kyungsilryeon)

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] A total of 1,056 civil society organizations have called for the suspension of discussions on the pardon of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

On the afternoon of the 6th, organizations including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, stating, "Recently, discussions on the pardon and parole of Vice Chairman Lee have been spreading among political circles and the business community," adding, "However, considering the gravity of the state power abuse and illegal merger crimes, the possibility of rehabilitation, and the risk of recidivism, Vice Chairman Lee cannot be subject to either pardon or parole."

The civil organizations said, "Making Vice Chairman Lee a subject of pardon or parole effectively acknowledges a system where the rich are exempt from punishment while the poor are punished, and it is no different from trading Lee Jae-yong’s financial power for ethics and morality."

They continued, "The civil organizations strongly oppose any moves toward the pardon or parole of Vice Chairman Lee and declare that they will thoroughly block any attempts by the Blue House and the ruling party to release him."

The press conference was held simultaneously across the country, including Seoul, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Daejeon, Jeonnam, Daegu, and Gyeongnam. A joint statement opposing the pardon and parole of Vice Chairman Lee was signed by 1,056 organizations.

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