Allegations of 'Gobal Saju': Son Junsung's Side Claims "Prosecutors' Office Search and Seizure Illegal"... Files Preliminary Appeal with Court

Son Joon-sung, the Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office and a key figure in the 'whistleblowing solicitation' suspicion during former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's tenure, is attending the warrant hearing held on the 26th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Son Jun-seong, the Human Rights Protection Officer at Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, who is under investigation for the 'accusation manipulation' suspicion, has filed an interlocutory appeal with the court, requesting the cancellation of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Department's (HOCI) search and seizure, claiming it was illegal.

On the 30th, Son's legal team issued a statement asserting, "The search and seizure executed by HOCI on emails, messenger records, and Criminal Justice Information System search logs related to Son and others did not follow the notification procedure for suspect participation, and was conducted entirely excluding the participation rights of the suspect or their attorney."

They further pointed out, "Based on the theory of exclusive negligence, the evidentiary value of the statements received from Son by HOCI, which were obtained through illegally secured evidence, cannot be recognized."

Additionally, Son's legal team emphasized, "In the recent search and seizure related to the 'Lee Seong-yoon indictment leak case,' HOCI notified the prosecutors on the investigation team two days in advance to guarantee their participation rights," adding, "(This) proves that at the time of the search and seizure against Son and others, the legal procedural regulations were completely unrecognized and the warrant was executed illegally."

HOCI conducted a search and seizure at Son's residence and office on September 10 regarding the 'accusation manipulation' suspicion. Recently, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Inspection Department, Investigation Information Division, and Information and Communication Division were also searched. The interlocutory appeal filed on this day is known to cover all search and seizures involving Son as a suspect, except for the one on September 10.