Bereaved Family: "Did Not Fulfill Duty as Minister, Must Be Held Accountable"
The trial for the impeachment of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, requested by the National Assembly over the response process to the Itaewon disaster, has concluded.
On the 27th, the Constitutional Court held the fourth hearing, listened to the final statements from both the National Assembly and Minister Lee's side, and concluded the trial procedure. The date for the verdict has not been set and will be notified to both parties later.
At the hearing, the bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster appeared in person and demanded Minister Lee's dismissal. Lee Jung-min, father of the late Lee Ju-young, said, "The dismissal of Minister Lee is the minimum measure the state can take for failing to protect the people's right to life," adding, "The person responsible for the disaster, Minister Lee, must be held accountable for his position."
Lee also pointed out, "Numerous reports stated that a crowd of 100,000 people was gathering, but Minister Lee did not order the establishment of countermeasures," and "He did not fulfill his duties as a minister in the response process to the bereaved families after the disaster."
The National Assembly criticized in its final argument that Minister Lee, who is responsible for national disaster and safety management, did not properly perform his role.
The National Assembly stated, "As the minister in charge of the nation's disaster and safety management, he did not execute the essential and core duties entrusted by the Constitution and laws," and "This reveals that he lacks the competence and qualifications as a minister."
On the other hand, Minister Lee's side argued that Minister Lee, who has no significant legal responsibility related to the disaster, should not be dismissed simply because he is the minister in charge.
Minister Lee's side rebutted, "During the performance of duties, he complied with the Constitution and the Disaster and Safety Act, and there was no active intention or action to undermine constitutional order," adding, "There is no fact that he deliberately neglected or abandoned his duties."
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