'17 Years Imprisonment' Lee Myung-bak Applies for Suspension of Sentence... Prosecution Holds Review Committee Meeting to Consider

Former President Lee Myung-bak [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Former President Lee Myung-bak (81), currently incarcerated at Anyang Prison, recently applied for a suspension of sentence execution. The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that "the execution of a prison sentence may be suspended if there is a concern that the execution would significantly harm health."

According to the legal community on the 8th, former President Lee submitted an application for suspension of sentence execution to the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Anyang Branch on the 3rd, citing health issues. The prosecution is expected to hold a suspension of sentence execution review committee at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office to examine the matter and then decide whether to accept former President Lee's application.

Former President Lee has repeatedly been admitted to and discharged from hospitals due to chronic illnesses, including diabetes. It is known that the prosecution reviewed his medical records and conducted interviews with medical personnel.

Previously, former President Lee was investigated by the prosecution on charges including embezzlement and bribery and was detained in March 2018, serving one year in custody. He was released on bail in March 2019 and stood trial while not in detention, but in October 2020, the Supreme Court confirmed a 17-year prison sentence. Former President Lee was incarcerated at Dongbu Detention Center on November 2 of that year, and after a COVID-19 outbreak in correctional facilities, he was transferred to Anyang Prison.