[Asia Economy Reporter Won Dara] The Democratic Party of Korea has stated that if Representative Jeong Jeong-sun, who faces allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act and has a motion for arrest consent submitted to the National Assembly, refuses to cooperate with the prosecution's investigation, the party may adopt the motion for arrest consent submitted to the National Assembly.
Choi In-ho, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said during a briefing at the National Assembly Communication Office on the morning of the 23rd, "The Supreme Council has decided that Representative Jeong should sincerely cooperate with the prosecution's investigation," adding, "If he does not follow the party leadership's decisions and instructions, the Ethics Inspection Team will be ordered to conduct an investigation on its own authority."
After the briefing, Chief Spokesperson Choi told reporters, "Violating the party's instructions or decisions, or damaging the party's dignity, are grounds for disciplinary action according to the party's constitution and regulations," and explained, "If he does not comply by the plenary session on the 28th, the party leader will order the Inspection Team to investigate, and the team will request disciplinary action from the Ethics Tribunal."
When asked whether the motion for arrest consent could be adopted if he does not respond positively by the 28th, he replied, "We may support the motion for arrest consent." He added, "The party leadership and key officials have repeatedly advised that it would be best for him to undergo the prosecution's investigation," noting, "Although he provided some explanations, they lacked persuasiveness."
The motion for arrest consent for Representative Jeong is expected to be reported at the National Assembly plenary session scheduled for the 28th and then proceed to a vote. Representative Jeong is accused of accounting fraud during the April 15 general election process. The prosecution indicted him without detention on the 15th, the expiration date of the statute of limitations for the Public Official Election Act, on charges of violating election laws.
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