Democratic Party Emergency Committee Decides to Maintain Party Charter Clause 'Suspension of Party Duties Upon Indictment'

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The Emergency Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea concluded on the 17th to maintain Article 80, Paragraph 1 of the party rules, which includes the provision to suspend party positions upon indictment, amid controversy over the so-called 'Lee Jae-myung shield amendment' related to the 'Amendment of Party Rule Article 80.'

On the day, Shin Hyun-young, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a briefing after the Emergency Committee meeting, "The Democratic Party Emergency Committee resolved to keep Article 80, Paragraph 1 of the party rules as is."

This regulation states that "party officials indicted on charges related to corruption and violation of laws may have their duties suspended immediately upon indictment."

The Democratic Party National Convention Preparation Committee had resolved to amend this to suspend duties only when a party official is convicted with a prison sentence or higher in a lower court, but the Emergency Committee did not accept this.

Spokesperson Shin explained, "Through the previous day's National Convention Preparation Committee meeting and the parliamentary caucus, various opinions were discussed and collected," adding, "Based on the opinions gathered by the Emergency Committee members today, the most reasonable compromise was prepared as a compromise proposal."

However, the Democratic Party Emergency Committee amended Article 80, Paragraph 3 to specify that "Notwithstanding Paragraph 1, if it is recognized that there are unjust reasons such as political oppression, the party affairs committee may decide otherwise by resolution."

Spokesperson Shin explained, "While respecting the core provisions concerning politicians involved in corruption, an exception clause was established for party officials who are unjustly indicted due to political oppression or political retaliation."