Representative Lee's side to be absent from sessions on 11-15 without plenary meeting
Prosecution: "Must comply with judicial procedures"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has been fasting for five days, continued a power struggle with the prosecution on the 4th over the schedule for his appearance related to the 'Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance suspicion.' The prosecution expressed regret that Lee did not appear on any of the previously requested summons dates, while Lee's side reiterated their intention to appear between the 11th and 15th of this month, a week without a plenary session.
Senior Spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung said after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "There is no change in the position that if the prosecution requests a summons next week, he will go and be investigated," adding, "We proposed the dates from the 11th to the 15th to the prosecution."
According to the prosecution, Lee's summons scheduled for 10 a.m. that day was canceled. Spokesperson Kwon explained, "The investigation was canceled today because although Lee had said in advance that he could appear at that time in the morning, the prosecution rejected it," and added, "Lee had stated his position on the investigation schedule in advance, but the prosecution said they could not do it that way, making today's investigation physically impossible."
Earlier, Lee's side had agreed to appear on the 4th as requested by the prosecution but proposed to undergo the first investigation for only two hours in the morning due to scheduling considerations. However, the prosecution effectively rejected this, saying the investigation could not be completed in two hours. Lee had received a summons from the prosecution on the 23rd of last month to appear on the 30th of the same month and had expressed willingness to appear on the 24th or 26th for investigation. But the prosecution rejected this, leading Lee to re-notify possible appearance dates between the 11th and 15th, after which the prosecution requested his appearance on the 4th.
Spokesperson Kang Sun-woo criticized at a National Assembly briefing on the 1st, saying, "Even though Lee expressed willingness to appear early as the prosecution wanted, the prosecution's refusal can only be interpreted as having no interest in uncovering the truth and only intending to politically investigate to tarnish Lee and the Democratic Party."
In response, the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office announced to the media that "the suspect investigation procedure scheduled for 10 a.m. today was canceled due to Lee's absence." They added, "The prosecution chose dates without National Assembly schedules and requested appearance well in advance, but expresses regret over the result of two consecutive absences."
They also stated, "Lee's fasting is causing difficulties in the suspect investigation, and considering the ongoing investigation, trial, and National Assembly schedules comprehensively, we will proceed with future criminal justice procedures." They emphasized once again to Lee, "We urge you to comply with the general procedures regarding suspect appearance and investigation." This is interpreted as a response to concerns that Lee's indefinite fasting protest, which began on the 31st of last month, might delay future prosecution summons and investigations.
Earlier, after a press conference marking his first anniversary in office, Lee responded to reporters' questions about whether fasting would affect future prosecution summons by saying, "Just because I am fasting does not mean I will give up my work," adding, "I will do my best within the possible scope, and the prosecution investigation will not be affected at all."
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