Arrest Warrant for Ahn Sang-soo on Election Law Violation Rejected... Court Says "No Flight Risk"

by Kim Daehyun

Published 15 Apr.2022 06:34(KST)

Former Assemblyman Ahn Sang-soo / Photo by Jin-hyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The court dismissed the arrest warrant for former lawmaker Ahn Sang-soo (76), a candidate in the People Power Party's Incheon mayoral primary.

On the 14th, Kim Hyundeok, the chief judge in charge of warrants at the Incheon District Court, conducted a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant substantive examination) for former lawmaker Ahn, who is accused of violating the Public Official Election Act, and subsequently dismissed the arrest warrant.

Judge Kim stated, "Since the residence is fixed and considering the suspect's identity and career, there is no risk of flight," adding, "The suspect completely denies the charges, and intense disputes over the facts are expected, so it is necessary to fully exercise the right to defense."

After the arrest warrant was dismissed, former lawmaker Ahn left Incheon Detention Center around 0:19 on the 15th and told reporters, "People around me said there was a violation of the election law and tried to connect it to me somewhat forcibly, but in the end, the court made a wise decision. I am grateful and will focus only on the citizens going forward and will definitely become mayor."

Earlier, A, a close aide (54) of former lawmaker Ahn, was arrested and indicted on charges of handing over 113 million won to B, the CEO of a promotional agency (50), during last year's People Power Party presidential primary process. This raised suspicions that former lawmaker Ahn might be involved in A's violation of the Public Official Election Act.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party Central Nomination Management Committee confirmed former lawmaker Ahn, Yoo Jeong-bok, and Lee Hak-jae as the three candidates for the Incheon mayoral primary. Former lawmaker Ahn agreed to unify candidacy with candidate Lee Hak-jae on the 7th.