Urging Expulsion from People Power Party Daejeon Branch and Referral to City Council Ethics Committee
The Democratic Party of Korea and the Progressive Party Daejeon City Branch on the 2nd called for the resignation and expulsion of the Daejeon city council member accused of sexual harassment.
In a statement on the same day, the Democratic Party said, "Citizens cannot contain their anger and sorrow upon hearing that Councilor A has been accused of habitual sexual harassment and sexual misconduct and reported to the police," adding, "Councilor A's shameless acts, betraying the trust of the people as a public official and trampling on women's human rights, are utterly unacceptable atrocities."
They continued, "Councilor A, who habitually sexually harassed and assaulted a woman working at the election office ahead of the general election, was also disciplined last year with a one-month suspension of party membership due to allegations of sexual harassment against a female staff member of the council secretariat," criticizing, "It is shocking that someone who habitually commits sexual harassment is serving as a representative of the citizens in legislative activities."
They also stated, "The reason Councilor A's forced sexual misconduct could continue was partly due to the irresponsible protectionism within the People Power Party Daejeon City Branch," and added, "We hope the People Power Party will take full responsibility, establish fundamental measures to prevent sexual crimes, and expel Councilor A."
Furthermore, they emphasized, "The Daejeon City Council should not just fold its arms and watch as if it were a fire across the river," urging, "We hope the council will restore its fallen honor by forming an ethics committee."
The Progressive Party Daejeon City Branch also issued a press release on the same day, urging the People Power Party Daejeon City Branch and the Daejeon City Council to proceed with expulsion and referral to the ethics committee.
The party stated, "The People Power Party Daejeon City Branch reportedly said it would observe the situation because it has not confirmed specific facts," criticizing this as "a typical old-fashioned practice of shielding their own members with a light punishment of a one-month suspension of party membership, while clearly watching public opinion."
They further stressed, "The People Power Party Daejeon City Branch must apologize to the victim, force the accused Daejeon city council member to resign from the council, and establish measures to prevent recurrence."
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