Lee Seok-gi, on the pardon of Park: "The person who put someone in prison for a few words is pardoned..."

Former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Lee Seok-ki, who was imprisoned at Daejeon Prison for incitement to rebellion, was granted parole on the 24th, about a year and a half before his full sentence was completed. On that morning, Lee exited Daejeon Prison and greeted his supporters.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Lee Seok-ki, who was imprisoned for inciting rebellion, was released on parole and emphasized that "barbaric politics that imprison people over a few words must disappear."

On the 24th, Lee made these remarks during a meeting with reporters in front of Daejeon Prison immediately after his parole. Lee, a former 19th National Assembly member from the Unified Progressive Party, was arrested in September 2013 in connection with the so-called 'rebellion conspiracy case.' The following year, he lost his parliamentary seat due to the Constitutional Court's decision to forcibly dissolve the Unified Progressive Party and was sentenced for inciting rebellion and violating the National Security Act, serving his sentence since then.

That day, supporters of Lee gathered in front of Daejeon Prison from early morning, preparing a welcome event for his parole by hanging banners and holding placards. Amid the cheers of his supporters, Lee, stepping out of the prison gate, responded to reporters asking about his feelings by saying, "The texture of the air is different." He expressed his thoughts, saying, "It took nine winters to come through that one door. It has been quite a long time, but thanks to your unwavering love and support, I am able to see you all."

Regarding the news that President Moon Jae-in decided on a special pardon for former President Park Geun-hye, Lee expressed skepticism, saying, "I wonder if the words fairness and justice even exist." He questioned, "Who really deserves a pardon? The person who put someone in prison over a few words is pardoned, and the victim is now released in the form of parole. This is heartbreaking."

Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, in an interview with YTN Radio on the same day, analyzed President Moon’s decision on the special pardon for former President Park as "somewhat suspicious in intent" and "an attempt to divert public resistance against Lee’s parole." He argued, "For parole to be granted, the person must show remorse, but there is absolutely none," and claimed, "He does not meet the conditions for parole."

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