Democratic Party Lawmaker Lee Sang-sik Posts and Deletes 'Messenger Role' Article
Ruling Party: "Using Geoya's Power to Wield Absolute Authority"
On the 9th, the People Power Party criticized Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-sik, a former police officer, for posting a message claiming he acted as a 'messenger between the party and the National Investigation Headquarters,' saying, "The Democratic Party's unchecked rampage continues."
Kwon Young-se, the emergency response committee chairman of the People Power Party, stated at the emergency response committee meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "Lawmaker Lee Sang-sik admitted that the Democratic Party is effectively directing the National Investigation Headquarters by mentioning the messenger role," and questioned, "Since when has the opposition party been directing police investigations? If the police were to carry out an operation to arrest the president under the Democratic Party's command, it would be a truly serious act of national disorder."
Kwon Young-se, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the 7th, Lee Sang-sik posted on his social media service (SNS), "My phone was burning up and meetings continued as I played the role of messenger between our party and the National Investigation Headquarters," adding, "Tonight, an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol will be reissued, and if the special investigation on the rebellion is re-voted tomorrow, stormy days will continue. I will encourage, support, and advise the National Investigation Headquarters and police juniors to ensure the arrest of the rebel leader Yoon Seok-yeol." After controversy arose over the post, Lee deleted the part about acting as a messenger between the party and the National Investigation Headquarters. He had initially announced a press conference at the National Assembly that morning but suddenly postponed it.
Chairman Kwon pointed out, "(Lawmaker Lee) wrote down the timing of the issuance and execution of the arrest warrant, which inevitably raises reasonable suspicion that he might be colluding with the court," and added, "Another Democratic Party regional committee member posted a chilling incitement about the methods of arresting the president, including deploying armored vehicles and helicopters." He continued, "Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Seong-yoon urged the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to show determination by saying he would bring a coffin even if shot," and said, "It is very frightening to imagine what kind of country Korea would become if such people take power."
Chairman Kwon also said, "If they stir up conflict and disregard even violent clashes for their political interests, the people will never tolerate such political forces," and added, "Although the president's side took a step back yesterday, the Corruption Investigation Office insists on forcibly executing the arrest warrant. I hope the people seriously consider what solutions they want instead of just watching the Democratic Party's moves."
Choi Bo-yoon, a member of the People Power Party's emergency response committee, also pointed out at the meeting that "Lawmaker Lee's actions seriously undermine the independence and fairness of the investigation and could be interpreted as the Democratic Party directing the arrest of President Yoon Seok-yeol, which is a very serious matter." He emphasized, "There is the principle of separation of powers established by the Constitution. Although Democratic Party leader Lee wields unchecked power through the power of the opposition, he has no authority to command administrative agencies," and urged, "The investigative authorities must immediately start investigating who instructed Lee and who he contacted."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
