The Halted 'Daejang-dong Trial' Resumes on the 23rd... Lee Jae-myung's Attendance Uncertain
by Kwak Minjae
Published 12 Jan.2024 14:27(KST)
Updated 12 Jan.2024 14:42(KST)
Representative Lee's side "Having difficulty speaking, attendance difficult for a while"
Court "Proceeding trial according to Lee's schedule would be endless"
The office of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was hospitalized and treated after being attacked with a weapon, stated in court that it would be difficult for him to attend the trial for the time being.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is being discharged from Seoul National University Hospital on the 10th, eight days after the stabbing attack. He plans to continue treatment at home for the time being. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@
원본보기 아이콘The Criminal Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) held a preparatory hearing on the 12th for Lee, who was indicted on charges including bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Originally, Lee’s trial was scheduled for the 9th of this month, but due to Lee’s sudden assault, a preparatory hearing was held to discuss the trial procedures on that day.
The next hearing is set for the 23rd, but Lee’s attendance remains uncertain. Lee’s defense attorney said, “I have heard indirectly that (Lee) said he would quickly return to party duties and ensure the trial proceeds without disruption,” adding, “According to the medical staff’s opinion and his condition after discharge, he is having considerable difficulty even speaking, so it seems attendance will be difficult for the time being.”
In response, the court stated, “If we proceed with the trial according to Lee’s schedule, it will never end,” and announced plans to proceed with the trial using witness examination procedures outside of scheduled dates.
The court also discussed the procedure for renewing the trial due to the replacement of the presiding judge following the regular judicial personnel reshuffle next month. When the composition of the court changes, procedures must be taken to help the successor judge understand the case. Accordingly, preparatory procedures will be conducted on the 6th and 16th of next month, and the trial will resume from the 20th after the personnel changes.
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