Handonghun on Lee Jaemyung's Hunger Strike: "If It Sets a Precedent Affecting Investigations, Even Petty Criminals Will Go on Hunger Strike"

Attendance at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee Plenary Meeting on the 4th

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, commented on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea's hunger strike, saying, "If a precedent is set where investigations or trials are influenced, wouldn't anyone, including petty criminals, go on a hunger strike whenever they receive a summons?"

On the 4th, at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee plenary session, Minister Han responded this way to a question from Jo Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, who expressed concerns that "Lee's hunger strike to avoid prosecution might disrupt the investigation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Han added, "Considering that, I believe the law will be strictly enforced."

He also emphasized, "Whether or not to go on a hunger strike, and how to conduct it, is a matter of personal freedom, but it should not affect investigations or trials."

When Representative Jo asked, "Lee is scheduled to be investigated on the 4th and requested to be questioned for only two hours in the morning. Has there been such a notification before?" Minister Han replied, "I have not seen such a case, and I believe the public has not either."