Lee Jae-myung Declares Waiver of Immunity from Arrest... Minjoo Party "No August Extraordinary Session"

Representative Shouts 'Waiver of Immunity'
Party Also Says "Will Show Commitment"
Will Other Lawmakers Also Shout 'Waiver of Rights'?

Following Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, declaring his waiver of parliamentary immunity from arrest, the Democratic Party has decided not to schedule "unnecessary extraordinary sessions for protection purposes."

Kim Han-gyu, the party's floor spokesperson, said during a back briefing after the party's floor countermeasure meeting on the 20th, "Considering the leader's intention, we will also take the schedule into account when arranging extraordinary sessions."

The previous day, Leader Lee pointed out the unfairness of the prosecution's investigation during the negotiation group leaders' speech and declared that he would waive his immunity from arrest. He also promised to appear and undergo a warrant review if the prosecution requests an arrest warrant.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kim stated, "The leader's intention is important, but in fact, setting the schedule for extraordinary sessions is also a significant issue," adding, "(Parliamentary immunity from arrest) is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, so as long as the session continues, even if individual lawmakers waive their immunity, the vote on the arrest consent motion cannot be omitted."

He continued, "Therefore, we usually do not hold extraordinary sessions from late July to early August," and said, "Under this principle this year as well, the party will show its intention not to hold unnecessary meetings for protection purposes, as the ruling party has accused."

However, he added, "An extraordinary session in July is necessary," explaining, "The terms of two Supreme Court justices end at the end of July, so hearings must be held and consent obtained from the National Assembly."

Within the party, it is reported that discussions on waiving parliamentary immunity alongside Leader Lee have not yet taken place. Spokesperson Kim said, "Lawmakers have not yet individually discussed and reached a consensus," adding, "Most lawmakers sympathize with the leader's decision, but there is a general atmosphere that lawmakers' decisions may be required if similar incidents occur."

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