National Assembly Representative Attending Constitutional Court Hearing: "Yoon's Consistent Denial of Judicial System Led to Riot... Must Be Swiftly Removed"
by Lim Chulyoung
by Ku Chaeeun
by Yeom Dayeon
Published 21 Jan.2025 14:40(KST)
Updated 21 Jan.2025 15:06(KST)
National Assembly Impeachment Prosecutors State Their Position Before Attending the Hearing
National Assembly Requests Enhanced Security at the Constitutional Court
Citing Concerns Over a "Second Riot"
The National Assembly representatives, who are the impeachment prosecutors of President Yoon Suk-yeol, stated on the 21st ahead of the third hearing at the Constitutional Court that the swift impeachment trial and removal of the president is the shortcut to restoring the crumbling rule of law.
Kim Yi-su, co-representative of the National Assembly's legal team, told reporters, "The president's consistent denial of the judicial system led to a shocking riot," adding, "Since New Year's Day, when President Yoon sent a message to the protesters that he would fight to the end, he has consistently denied the judicial system."
He also claimed that President Yoon has been continuously inciting his support base. Lawyer Kim said, "(President Yoon) calls his supporters patriotic citizens and is increasing incitement," adding, "The president's consistent denial of the judicial system ultimately led to the shocking riot that occurred at the Seoul Western District Court in the early hours of the 19th."
Lawyer Lee Kwang-beom, also part of the National Assembly's legal team, pointed out that the incident of President Yoon's ardent supporters storming the Western District Court could have been avoided if the president had reflected and stepped down. He said, "He denied the judicial system of the country where he is president, took refuge in the fortified presidential residence, and even at the moment of arrest and detention, incited his supporters through videos and handwritten messages," adding, "This is a delusion to forcibly overturn the situation and an unreasonable attempt to nullify the impeachment trial."
Meanwhile, Jeong Cheong-rae, chairman of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a member of the Democratic Party (prosecutor), expressed concern about a second riot related to the Seoul Western District Court incident, saying, "There is great anxiety that the Constitutional Court might also become a target of riots," and requested enhanced security at the Constitutional Court.
Park Gyun-taek, a member of the Democratic Party, criticized President Yoon's attendance at the trial, saying, "It seems the biggest intention is to extend the trial date," and added, "They have applied to add 24 more witnesses, which is ultimately an attempt to delay the trial and obstruct justice."
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