Handonghun: "Lee Jaemyung's Perjury Coaching Will Result in Heavy Sentence... No Need for Arrest Consent"

"Intimidating Judges with Forceful Demonstrations, It's Regrettable"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, predicted a heavy sentence ahead of the perjury coaching verdict against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, scheduled for the 25th, saying, "It is likely to be heavier than that of Kim, who committed perjury," and added, "The worst sentencing factors are accumulating as Lee's side intimidates the presiding judge."

On the 16th, Han posted on his social media, "A criminal defendant intimidating the presiding judge is the worst aggravating factor beyond mere lack of remorse," and said, "Therefore, for the sake of Lee and the Democratic Party, I am telling them to stop the intimidation and forceful protest against the judge. However, it is regrettable that they are still carrying out such intimidation and forceful protests against the judge today."

He also hinted at the possibility of detention in court, stating, "Since the perjury coaching case was included in the arrest consent request when the National Assembly passed the arrest consent bill on September 21 last year, when Lee was Minister of Justice, the judiciary does not need separate approval from the National Assembly even if it orders detention in court."

At that time, the arrest consent bill for Lee was passed with 295 out of 298 members present voting: 149 in favor, 136 against, 4 invalid, and 6 abstentions.

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin