[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Constitutional Court dismissed on the 8th the recusation request filed by former Busan High Court Chief Judge Im Seong-geun, the first judge to be impeached over allegations of abuse of judicial administrative power, against Justice Lee Seok-tae.
The Constitutional Court announced that it unanimously dismissed the recusation request against Justice Lee filed by former Chief Judge Im. Eight constitutional justices, excluding Justice Lee, participated in the deliberation on whether to grant the recusation.
Previously, former Chief Judge Im's side filed the recusation request, arguing that it would be difficult to expect a fair judgment from Justice Lee, who had served as the chairman of the Sewol Special Investigation Commission and the president of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society. According to the Constitutional Court Act, if there are circumstances that make it difficult for a constitutional justice to conduct a fair trial, the parties involved may file a recusation request.
With the Constitutional Court dismissing former Chief Judge Im's recusation request, the impeachment trial procedure, which had been suspended, is expected to resume. The Constitutional Court plans to reschedule the preparatory hearing soon.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
