People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Kyungsilryeon "Lee Jae-yong's parole is preferential treatment... Condemn President Moon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Civic groups criticized the parole decision for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the 9th as a "privilege for chaebol heads."

In a statement released that day, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy said, "This is a privileged decision for chaebol heads and a death sentence for judicial justice," and "We strongly condemn President Moon Jae-in and Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye, who are the main figures behind this decision."

The organization added, "President Moon, who promised during his candidacy to limit the pardon rights for chaebol heads, showed irresponsible behavior by shifting the responsibility to the Minister of Justice, citing public consensus, after criticism arose accusing him of breaking his promise," and insisted, "They must take responsibility for the parole decision and apologize to the public." Furthermore, they stated, "Minister Park must transparently disclose all related materials so that the public can understand the decision and take responsibility for the privileged decision by resigning immediately."

The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) also issued a statement, pointing out, "(Vice Chairman Lee) has once again received a parole privilege exclusively for the Samsung chaebol head," and "Judicial justice has fallen to the ground, and the rule of law is facing a historic regression."

CCEJ said, "Minister Park, who lies that there was no controversy over the privilege granted to Lee Jae-yong, who received a privilege on top of a privilege, is no longer qualified," and "This has caused the public's trust in the Ministry of Justice to plummet, making it even more difficult to establish the rule of law in the future." They continued, "The Moon Jae-in administration has revealed to the whole world that the slogan of fair economy was all a lie by releasing even major economic criminals," and urged, "President Moon must clearly state his position on the parole approval."

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