[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] A, the spouse of Park Jong-woo, mayor of Geoje City, Gyeongnam, has been brought to trial on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.
The Criminal Division 2 of Tongyeong Branch of Changwon District Prosecutors' Office on the 25th indicted A, the spouse of Mayor Park, without detention on charges of violating the donation regulations under the Public Official Election Act.
A is accused of donating 10 million won to temples in the Geoje area over two days in early July last year (violation of donation restrictions) and was reported to the Election Commission. Mayor Park's side claimed it was a normal religious offering.
However, the prosecution judged that since Mayor Park Jong-woo had expressed his intention to run in the local elections at that time, the donation by a candidate or their spouse was prohibited under the Public Official Election Act. The prosecution also indicted the temple monk who received the money transferred from Mr. Kim.
The prosecution stated that the investigation into Mayor Park Jong-woo's alleged violation of the election law is ongoing.
Mayor Park is accused of delivering about 10 million won to an employee of the local district member of the National Assembly through his close aide in exchange for providing an application form for joining the People Power Party during the June 1 local elections.
The statute of limitations for the Public Official Election Act expires on the 1st of next month, so the decision on whether to indict Mayor Park is expected soon.
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