[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Civic groups such as the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) have issued statements condemning the special pardon decision for former President Park Geun-hye.
On the 24th, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy stated in a press release, "Park Geun-hye is a serious criminal currently serving a 22-year sentence after being confirmed to have allowed a 'shadowy figure' to interfere in state affairs, embezzled tens of millions of won from the National Intelligence Service's special activity funds, which are part of the national budget, and received hundreds of millions of won in bribes through collusion with conglomerates." They added, "We oppose the pardon of Park Geun-hye and condemn the president's political exercise of the pardon power." They further argued, "This pardon is far from social integration and is a politically motivated pardon ahead of the presidential election."
The CCEJ described the special pardon for former President Park as "an abuse of President Moon's pardon power and election interference." Regarding the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who was convicted of illegal political fund charges and released after serving her sentence, they said, "The appropriateness of this cannot be avoided," and added, "Ultimately, the pardon and reinstatement of various political figures strongly reflect the president's intention to sway voters ahead of the presidential election."
The 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families' Association and the civic group 4·16 Solidarity also stated, "In a situation where there is no sincere apology from the head of state, the president, regarding responsibility for the disaster, the exercise of the president's pardon power is utterly unacceptable." They further argued, "Pardoning someone who has not shown any apology or remorse for the crimes they committed under the pretext of 'national reconciliation' is a regression of democracy and a destruction of the spirit of the times."
The Participatory Autonomy Regional Movement Solidarity, formed by 19 organizations nationwide including the Center for Information Disclosure for a Transparent Society, criticized, "The pledge that there would be no pardons for serious crimes such as bribery has been broken by themselves." Park Rae-gun, former co-representative of the Emergency National Action for the Resignation of the Park Geun-hye Regime, said, "Did President Moon communicate with the candlelight citizens before deciding on the pardon?" and strongly urged, "We demand the immediate withdrawal of the pardon plan."
Meanwhile, former President Park, who was serving a 22-year prison sentence, was released through this New Year's special pardon and reinstatement, having served only 4 years and 9 months, with the remaining 17 years and 3 months of the sentence waived.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
