Choi Kang-wook: "Prosecutors Are Mocking the Media, Citizens, and Courts... The Truth Is Emerging"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party and a key figure in the 'accusation ordering' scandal involving pro-government figures within the prosecution during former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's tenure, strongly criticized the prosecution on the 8th after attending his trial, saying, "The prosecution tried to thoroughly deceive and manipulate the media, citizens, and the courts."

After the appeal trial for his violation of the Public Official Election Act ended that day, Choi told reporters, "The essence of this case is nothing more than a political conspiracy by a handful of political prosecutors," adding, "The truth is coming to light."

He continued, "Fortunately, it seems the court recognizes the seriousness of the election manipulation accusation ordering, which is very encouraging."

Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon, he said, "The political prosecution and political conspiracies Yoon has carried out are beginning to be exposed," and criticized, "Continuing to blame others for political conspiracies in this situation is an admission that he himself is the main culprit of lies and manipulation."

Choi was prosecuted for appearing on an internet podcast during last year's general election and stating that the internship confirmation letter he wrote for the son of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk while working at the law firm Cheongmaek was true. On June 1, the first trial court found Choi guilty and sentenced him to a fine of 800,000 won.

Meanwhile, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-3 (Presiding Judges Jo Eun-rae, Kim Yong-ha, Jeong Chong-ryeong), which is hearing Choi's trial, said at the first appeal hearing held that day, "It seems necessary to verify the facts recently highlighted as the accusation ordering commission case."

They added, "Legal judgments should be made based on verified facts," and asked the prosecution who was responsible for drafting the accusation letter.

The court also requested the defense to conduct a legal review of the connection between the 'accusation ordering' allegations and the indictment process.

Choi's defense argued, "This indictment is an unjust prosecution that distorts representative democracy and elections by abusing prosecutorial and investigative powers," and insisted, "The prosecution should acknowledge the abuse of prosecution rights and withdraw the indictment."

Choi himself, after gaining the floor, said, "Coincidentally, the truth of the case and the political prosecution's manipulation are being revealed," and requested the court to allow submission of evidence that can confirm the reality of the election manipulation or abuse of prosecution rights currently emerging.

On the other hand, the prosecution countered, "The defendant's claims are merely subjective speculation. Raising suspicions has no relation to the legality of the investigation and indictment procedures."

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