Re-vote on the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act' at the National Assembly Plenary Session on the 28th
Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, criticized some members of his party who support the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor' on the 25th, calling them "truly pathetic."
Mayor Hong wrote on Facebook, "The death of Chae Sang-byeong in the line of duty is heartbreaking, and the grief of the bereaved family is something that every citizen empathizes with. However, attempting to involve the president and talk about impeachment through a special prosecutor seems to be an excessive measure." He also said, "Some members of our party who ride on public sentiment and talk about supporting the re-vote are truly pathetic," adding, "Even if there are personal grudges, refrain from stubbornly opposing the nomination until the end out of personal feelings, and quietly step down to prepare for the future."
Regarding the death of Chae Sang-byeong, he stated, "The essence of the Chae Sang-byeong death incident lies in whether the military operation was reckless," and argued, "What should have ended as an internal military investigation is being forced into a criminal charge of professional negligence resulting in death, holding even the division commander responsible without specific warnings, and further dragging the president into a political incident. This is due to poor political handling." He predicted, "If this continues, all incidents and accidents occurring during military operations will inevitably become criminal cases rather than investigations, causing not only field commanders but the entire military to become restrained and lead to passive military operation command."
The re-vote on the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act' is scheduled for the last plenary session of the 21st National Assembly on the 28th. The People Power Party maintains its stance that it cannot accept the act as investigations are ongoing. The party leadership plans to decide on a party line to reject the special prosecutor act before the re-vote. However, voices opposing the party line adoption have emerged even within the ruling party, leading to speculation that more than '10 dissenting votes' may occur. Assuming all incumbent members attend the plenary session, if 17 or more votes in the People Power Party support the act, the special prosecutor law will pass. Chu Kyung-ho, the floor leader of the People Power Party, also sent a friendly letter urging members to vote against the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act' to maintain party unity.
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