Facebook Post on the 11th
"Judgment on Public Figures, Not Signs"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon argued that the first trial hearing related to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on charges of false statements under the Public Official Election Act should be open to the public.
On the 11th, Mayor Oh stated on Facebook, "The sentencing for Lee Jae-myung's violation of the Public Official Election Act is not an individual's criminal trial," emphasizing, "It is a trial that the sovereign people must watch." The first trial hearing for Lee's alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act is scheduled for the 15th.
Regarding this trial, Mayor Oh explained, "It is about putting on the stand the leader of South Korea's main opposition party and former presidential candidate, who lied during presidential debates and in the National Assembly watched by the sovereign people," adding, "It is a judgment on the charges against 'public figure Lee Jae-myung,' not 'private individual Lee Jae-myung.'"
He further emphasized, "Determining the truth of what happened during the process must be done in front of the sovereign people watching directly, even without the defendant's consent."
Mayor Oh also said, "Just as trials of former presidents were broadcast live for the 'public interest,' the same standard should apply this time," and added, "In a situation where the Democratic Party refuses live trial broadcasts while pressuring the judiciary, and threatens judicial independence and fairness by 'targeting judges,' public oversight will be the best safeguard."
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