Court Acquits Lee Jae-myung of Perjury Instruction in First Trial
The People Power Party expressed regret on the 25th over the court's verdict of 'not guilty' regarding Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on charges of suborning perjury.
Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated in a press release that day, "We respect the judiciary's decision, but there remains a sense of regret."
Earlier that morning at the party's Supreme Council meeting, Choo said, "I hope today's ruling will mark the end of Lee Jae-myung-style politics of lies that have continued for 22 years," adding, "We must teach our children that 'crimes are judged, and lies are defeated.' We expect the judiciary to deliver a fair verdict based on legal principles and conscience today." However, the ruling did not meet Choo's expectations.
Kim Yong-tae, a member of the People Power Party, also expressed a similar stance. On social media, Kim wrote, "I respect the judiciary's decision to acquit Lee on the charge of suborning perjury in the first trial, but it is regrettable," adding, "The person who was suborned was fined 5 million won for perjury, but the judgment that the suborner was not guilty is difficult to understand. I hope this will be corrected in the second trial."
Park Jung-hoon, another People Power Party lawmaker, expressed dissatisfaction on social media, saying, "They should just abolish the charge of suborning perjury in the Criminal Act."
Earlier, the Seoul Central District Court acquitted Lee, who was indicted without detention on charges of suborning perjury, and sentenced Kim Jin-sung, a former secretary to the late Kim Byung-ryang, former mayor of Seongnam City and the principal offender of suborning perjury, to a fine of 5 million won. The court explained, "At the time Lee Jae-myung spoke with Kim Jin-sung, it was not yet decided whether Kim Jin-sung would testify or what specific content he would testify to," and added, "Based solely on the evidence submitted by the prosecution, it is insufficient to find that Lee Jae-myung had the intent to induce Kim Jin-sung to commit perjury, that is, the intent to suborn."
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