Statement on the Appeal Trial Verdict for Election Law Violation
"We Will Reveal the Truth Through Supreme Court Appeal"
Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, expressed his position after receiving a verdict in the appeal trial on charges of violating election laws.
On the 19th, regarding the guilty verdict in the appeal trial, Mayor Hong stated that he plans to appeal to the Supreme Court to reveal the truth.
In an official statement that day, Mayor Hong said, “Amid difficult domestic and international circumstances and ongoing national turmoil, I deeply apologize for causing concern to the citizens due to this appeal trial verdict.”
He continued, “Separately from this case, I will calmly manage the administration of Changwon. I will carefully attend to the livelihood of the citizens to ensure no inconvenience in their daily lives and will continue to promote projects for the future of Changwon.”
Emphasizing that he was acquitted in the first trial, he explained, “After more than two years of legal battles and hearings, the first trial court acquitted me. It was clearly revealed in the first trial that there was no conspiracy or prior agreement related to the accuser’s claims based on objective evidence and logic.”
However, he expressed regret that in the appeal trial, “a guilty verdict was rendered based on evidence selectively chosen by the accuser and some testimonies lacking credibility.”
He added, “I believe this verdict is based on presumptions, but I hold the principle that the final judgment of the judiciary must be respected.”
Mayor Hong announced his intention to file an objection to the appeal trial verdict and to appeal to the Supreme Court. “I will appeal to the Supreme Court to reveal the truth, and I believe that judicial justice will be properly established and citizens’ trust restored through the Supreme Court’s ruling,” he said.
He also emphasized, “Although the current situation is very difficult, I have faith in the judiciary,” and “I will wait for the judiciary’s fair judgment and do my best to explain the truth.”
Finally, Mayor Hong concluded his statement by saying, “I will continue to do my best in the administration of Changwon so as not to cause inconvenience to the citizens.”
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