DP Launches Full-Scale Offensive Against Prosecutors Over Manipulated Indictments: "Root Out Political Prosecutors' Wrongdoing"

On July 23, the Democratic Party of Korea called on prosecutors to withdraw their indictment in connection with the postponement of President Lee Jaemyung's trial over the "Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case."

On the 1st, flags in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, are fluttering in the wind. Photo by Yoon Dongju

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The Democratic Party's "Political Prosecutor Manipulated Indictment Response Task Force (TF)" reiterated this position during its second meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the same day.

The meeting was attended by Chief Director Han Junho, as well as lawmakers Choi Kisang, Jeon Yonggi, Park Sunwon, Yang Bunam, Lee Geontae, former Democratic Research Institute chief Kim Yong, and the legal counsel for former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace Lee Hwayeong.

Lawmaker Yang Bunam stated, "Considering the recent testimony from Bae and the report from North Korean operative Ri Honam in the North Korea remittance case, there is reasonable doubt that this case was indicted on false grounds," adding, "If the manipulated indictment is true, the prosecution must withdraw the indictment in accordance with its fundamental purpose."

Previously, Bae Sangyun, chairman of KH Group and a figure implicated in the case, said in a media interview, "President Lee and Gyeonggi Province had absolutely nothing to do with this." Last month, the Supreme Court upheld a sentence of seven years and eight months in prison for Lee Hwayeong, former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Peace, who was indicted in the North Korea remittance case.

Lawmaker Lee Geontae also stated, "There is sufficient circumstantial evidence to suspect that Yoon Sukyeol's political prosecutors indicted Lee Jaemyung on eight charges in an attempt to eliminate a political rival," adding, "In the history of the Republic of Korea’s constitutional government, there has never been a precedent of such political retaliation against a defeated presidential candidate."

Shin Alchan, an attorney at Sedam Law Firm who is representing former Democratic Research Institute deputy chief Kim Yong in his second trial for illegal political funds and bribery, said, "There is no substantial evidence other than the testimony of Yoo Donggyu," and added, "The prosecution constructed the facts of the case based on the testimonies of Nam Wook, Jeong Minyong, and others, which were themselves based on Yoo Donggyu's statements."

The TF plans to address not only cases related to President Lee, but also a wide range of cases in which manipulated indictments by prosecutors under previous administrations caused harm. After the TF meeting, lawmaker Lee Geontae told reporters, "While we will mainly deal with President Lee Jaemyung's case, we will not be limited to that. We will consult with lawmakers to decide which cases to cover," adding, "We will focus on major and significant cases."

The opposition party criticized this move, calling it a prelude to pushing for prosecutorial reform by the ruling party.Kwak Gyutaek, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated, "This is a preliminary move to frame President Lee as a victim of a fabricated investigation and to justify the need for prosecutorial reform," adding, "Now that they are in power, they are saying they will overturn the results of investigations."

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