Rep. Ha Young-je Leaves Party Over 'Political Funds Law Violation' Allegations... "Not to Cause Burden"

Ha Young-je, a member of the People Power Party who was indicted on charges of receiving illegal political funds, has left the party.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 24th, Ha stated in a press release, "I am leaving the People Power Party today to avoid causing even a small burden to the party," adding, "I will sincerely cooperate with the upcoming judicial procedures. I will fully clarify any parts that may cause misunderstandings through the trial process."

Ha also mentioned policies such as the establishment of the Sacheon Aerospace Administration and the early commencement of the undersea tunnel between Namhae and Yeosu, saying, "I will do my best to ensure that local long-standing projects are not disrupted because of me." It is reported that Ha submitted his resignation to the Gyeongnam Provincial Party on the same day.

The Changwon District Prosecutors' Office indicted Ha without detention the day before on charges including violation of the Political Funds Act. Ha is accused of receiving a total of 167.5 million won from local government heads and provincial council members in the Gyeongnam area from March 2020 to June last year, under the pretexts of election expenses and regional office operation costs.

The Changwon District Prosecutors' Office requested an arrest warrant for Ha, and the National Assembly approved the motion for his arrest. However, the court rejected the arrest warrant, stating, "Although the suspect's crimes are very serious, he has confessed to most of the offenses, and the prosecution appears to have secured substantial evidence."

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