[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party criticized the court's sentencing of former President Jeon Du-hwan to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation for defamation of the late Father Jo Bi-o on the 30th as an "absurdly insufficient sentence."
Choi In-ho, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said in a briefing that day, "Compared to the pain endured by the victims, bereaved families, and citizens of Gwangju during the May 18 incident, the sentence is absurdly insufficient and does not meet the public's expectations," adding, "It is regrettable."
Choi emphasized, "Even today, Jeon Du-hwan appeared in court without a single apology and was busy nodding off during the sentencing," and "In front of the outraged victims, he shamelessly held his head high without any sign of remorse. His arrogant attitude remains unchanged."
He continued, "According to the court's finding that he was aware of the helicopter shootings, efforts must now be accelerated to uncover the truth," and "The truth about the helicopter shootings, the initial order to fire, secret burials, and sexual assaults must be thoroughly revealed."
He added, "The Democratic Party will do its utmost to ensure the swift passage of the May 18 History Distortion Punishment Act and the May 18 Truth Investigation Special Act," and urged, "If the People Power Party sincerely acknowledges and reflects on its past mistakes, it should actively cooperate in passing the related bills."
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