National Assembly 'Fast-Track Clash' Democratic Party Trial Postponed to March

Democratic Party Requests Trial Date Change Due to COVID-19 Impact
Justice Minister Nominee Park Beom-gye, Facing Confirmation Hearing, Also Breathes Sigh of Relief

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The trial of current and former Democratic Party of Korea officials indicted in the 'National Assembly Fast-Track (Rapid Processing Agenda) Clash' case has been postponed.

On the 22nd, the Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Oh Sang-yong) accepted the defendants' request to change the trial date, including Minister of Justice nominee Park Beom-gye, and postponed the trial originally scheduled for the 27th to March 24th.

Earlier, LKB Partners, representing Park and current and former Democratic Party lawmakers, requested a change of the trial date at the court due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and other reasons.

With the trial delayed, Park will no longer have to appear in court as a defendant immediately before or after his inauguration as minister. Park's confirmation hearing is scheduled for the 25th.

Park and others were indicted early last year on charges of assaulting and injuring Liberty Korea Party (now People Power Party) lawmakers and party officials during the 2019 fast-track clash incident.

He appeared in court as a defendant on September 23 and November 25 last year, denying the charges by stating, "It was a legitimate official act to break through the Liberty Korea Party officials attempting to block the meeting hall."