"Many people are still worried and cheering"
"Waiting for 'Bom' together with you"
Former leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, Jo Guk, was sentenced to two years in prison on charges including his children's admission fraud, and as he was incarcerated, his family asked supporters to give up their visitation opportunities.
On the 17th, Jo's family opened their statement on Jo's Facebook, saying, "Dear supporters, thank you. We know well that many of you are still worried and cheering for us."
Former leader of the Innovation Party, Cho Kuk, who was sentenced to 2 years in prison for charges including admission fraud involving his children and covering up the Blue House inspection, is seen clenching his fist toward supporters before being incarcerated in front of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province on the morning of the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
They wrote, "We are posting this to make a request," adding, "The number of visits is limited. Visits are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis according to the order of application. We understand your concerns and earnest feelings, but please consider allowing others to meet the family." They continued, "The quantity and types of items delivered are also restricted," and asked, "Please save some for others as well. We would appreciate it if you could convey your feelings through letters." Finally, they said, "We add your hearts together and wait for 'spring.' We sincerely thank you."
According to current regulations, a level 2 prisoner like Jo (first-time offender, etc.) is limited to six visits per month. In addition, pretrial detainees and short-term prisoners serving less than six months are allowed one visit per day; violent offenders (level 3) are allowed five visits per month; and problematic prisoners (level 4) are allowed four visits per month as the basic visitation frequency.
Meanwhile, Jo was sentenced to two years in prison on charges including his children's admission fraud and covering up Blue House inspections. On the 12th, the Supreme Court's 3rd Division (Presiding Justice Eom Sang-pil) upheld the original sentence of two years in prison and a fine of 6 million won against Jo, who was charged with forgery and use of false documents, obstruction of business, and violation of the Anti-Graft Act. With this final ruling, Jo lost his parliamentary seat and will be disqualified from running for office for the next five years under the Public Official Election Act and the National Assembly Act.
Upon his incarceration on the 16th, Jo said, "We must devote ourselves fully to regime change." That morning, in front of the main gate of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi Province, he emphasized, "The People Power Party, an accomplice in the insurrection, must be stopped from maintaining power no matter what," and added, "After regime change, the 7th Republic must advance to a socially advanced country." He also said, "Although the weather is cold, spring will come," and added, "I will strengthen my body and mind through reading, exercise, and reflection."
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