On July 10, 34 law professors, including former Justice Minister Park Sangki, submitted a petition to the Presidential Office requesting the pardon and reinstatement of Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
In the petition addressed to President Lee Jaemyung, they stated, "The ultra-meticulous, dust-sifting investigations, the 'Indian rain ritual'-style prosecution and indictment, and the continued legal action against former leader Cho are symbols of prosecutorial power abuse," and argued, "A tragedy has occurred in which his spouse, daughter, and son have all become scapegoats."
They went on to stress, "Pardon and reinstatement are necessary for resolving the aftermath of internal strife and for national unity," adding, "Former leader Cho played a significant role in the National Assembly's impeachment proceedings against former President Yoon Sukyeol right up until his imprisonment."
The petition was also signed by Park Sangki, honorary professor at Yonsei University Law School, who served as the first Minister of Justice under the Moon Jaein administration.
Former leader Cho was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court for offenses including the use of forged official documents and obstruction of business related to his children's college admissions, and was incarcerated in December last year.
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