Prosecution: "Without Punishment, We Cannot Move Toward a Fair Society"
Kwon Seong-dong: "Unfair, as Prosecution Ignores Evidence Rules in Investigation..."
[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] In the second trial of Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, who was indicted on charges of employment solicitation at Kangwon Land, the prosecution demanded the same sentence of three years in prison as in the first trial.
On the 9th, at the appellate trial sentencing hearing held by the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Gu Hoe-geun), the prosecution requested, "It is recognized that Representative Kwon was involved in the hiring of new employees, experienced employees, and outside directors," and asked for such a sentence. The prosecution emphasized, "Representative Kwon abused his position to pressure the public institution to hire friends and acquaintances' children," adding, "If this is not punished, society cannot move toward fairness without privileges and unfair advantages."
In his final statement, Representative Kwon said, "The prosecution ignored the rules of evidence in their investigation with the goal of indicting me in custody," and "Statements made by former Kangwon Land President Choi Heung-jip under psychological pressure should not be used as evidence." He continued, "I am wronged. I hope the court dismisses the appeal to restore my honor and the trust of the people."
Earlier, Representative Kwon was prosecuted on charges of pressuring the Kangwon Land personnel team from November 2012 to April of the following year to hire 11 people, including an intern secretary from his office, during the public recruitment process for trainees. He was also indicted on charges of receiving a request related to the Board of Audit and Inspection from former Kangwon Land President Choi and, in return, having his secretary hired as an experienced employee.
The first trial court acquitted him, stating that the prosecution's allegations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The appellate court's verdict will be delivered on the 13th of next month.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
