Ahn Cheol-soo: "Yoon's Trial Is Like a Cheetah, Lee's Trial Is Sloth-Level" Direct Criticism of Judiciary

"Unprecedented Events in Constitutional History Continue"
"Raising the Issue of Fairness Compared to Lee Jaemyung"
"Condemning the Judiciary's Behavior"

President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on the 26th on charges of leading a rebellion, and Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, expressed his feelings about the current political situation, saying, "I cannot hide my dismay."

Ahn Cheol-soo, People Power Party member. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 26th, Ahn posted on his social media account, "The prosecution has indicted President Yoon while in custody," calling it "a series of unprecedented events in constitutional history." He lamented, "From arrest to indictment, this is the first time for a sitting president, and I cannot hide my truly dismal feelings."

He continued, "Putting aside other controversies regarding the indictment while in custody, I strongly raise the issue of fairness compared to Representative Lee Jae-myung, who is facing five trials on eight cases and twelve charges while out on bail." He then criticized, "I condemn the judiciary's behavior of proceeding with President Yoon's trial at a cheetah's speed, while Representative Lee's trial moves at the pace of a sloth."

Earlier, on the 23rd, Ahn had criticized the actions of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (Gongsoocheo), which is investigating President Yoon, in an interview with a media outlet. Regarding the prohibition of family visits and letter exchanges, he said, "What big problem is there in allowing family visits?" and pointed out, "Within the scope permitted by law, everything should be allowed, but Gongsoocheo is acting excessively."

He also argued, "Instead of bringing President Yoon directly to Gongsoocheo, it would have been sufficient to question him on-site," adding, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, there was hardly any time to adjust investigative authority, and political intentions were involved, so proper adjustments were not made." Along with this, he emphasized, "After this rebellion investigation ends, it is necessary to systematically readjust the investigative authority between the prosecution and police so that everyone can accept it," and stated, "I am not sure if the current Gongsoocheo needs to continue existing in our country. It would be much better to simplify laws and systems."

Furthermore, regarding the issuance of the arrest warrant for President Yoon, Ahn said, "I respect the court's decision, but I am dissatisfied with the decision to immediately arrest a sitting president while not arresting the opposition party leader," adding, "President Yoon's trial is proceeding at a very fast pace. The trial of Representative Lee must also reach a third-instance verdict before May 15, according to the principles set by the Supreme Court."

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