Weekend Attendance Statement Made but Not Accepted
Response Provided Through Written Testimony This Time
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Regarding the allegations of the 'Wirye New Town and Daejang-dong Development Project Favoritism Case,' Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, will appear before the prosecution at 11 a.m. on the 10th.
Democratic Party Chief Spokesperson Ahn Ho-young stated in a written briefing that "Lee will appear at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office around 11 a.m. on the 10th after the Supreme Council meeting, regarding the prosecution's additional investigation into the Daejang-dong project."
Spokesperson Ahn said, "Lee repeatedly conveyed to the prosecution his intention to appear on the weekend because he needs to focus on party affairs and state affairs during the week, but the prosecution insisted firmly on a weekday appearance. It is regrettable that the prosecution persistently demands a weekday appearance, disregarding the party leader’s need to attend to people's livelihood."
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is under suspicion of breach of trust related to preferential treatment allegations in the Daejang-dong and Wirye New Town development projects, is responding to reporters' questions as he appears at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on the 28th as a suspect. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
Previously, Lee appeared for prosecution questioning on Saturday, the 28th of last month. At that time, Lee underwent a 12-hour interrogation by the prosecution. Regarding the current re-summon request, Spokesperson Ahn criticized, "Although Lee submitted a written statement and a lengthy investigation was unnecessary, the prosecution delayed the investigation and demanded additional questioning." On the other hand, the prosecution notified a second summons citing insufficient investigation.
There were predictions that Lee might refuse to appear for the second summons, but on the 30th of last month, Lee expressed at a press conference, "Since they so earnestly want to summon me again, I will go," indicating his willingness to comply with the re-summon.
Spokesperson Ahn said regarding the second interrogation, "Lee plans to actively exercise his right to defense by responding with the contents of the written statement he submitted previously during this additional investigation."
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