MinEonRyeon Appeals 'Han Dong-hoon No Charges' in Channel A Case... Lee Seong-yoon to Decide

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 20 Apr.2022 16:38(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media (MinEonRyeon) has decided to file an appeal with the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, requesting a reinvestigation of Han Dong-hoon, the Minister of Justice nominee, who was cleared of charges in the so-called 'Channel A Incident' after two years.

On the 20th, MinEonRyeon stated, "We will submit an appeal requesting a reinvestigation of nominee Han to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office later this afternoon," adding, "A written statement of reasons for the appeal is expected to be submitted additionally as early as next week." They further criticized, "The prosecution did not conduct an active investigation from the beginning, delaying the forensic analysis of Han's iPhone for 22 months without providing a clear explanation for the failure of the forensic examination."

They added, "Judging that the prosecution's decision to dismiss the charges without resolving the suspicions is unjust, we have decided to file an appeal demanding a reinvestigation." Upon receipt of the appeal, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office plans to transfer the case records to the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, which will review whether the non-prosecution decision was appropriate. Coincidentally, Lee Seong-yoon, the High Prosecutor General who has a contentious history with nominee Han regarding the 'Channel A Incident,' will be the one to reassess the case.

It is reported that while serving as the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Prosecutor General Lee repeatedly rejected the investigation team's report recommending a dismissal of charges against nominee Han, who was accused in the 'Channel A Incident,' saying, "Let's wait until the mobile phone forensic analysis is completed."