Strong Condemnation of Min Junggi Special Prosecutor Team
"Thorough Disregard for the Presumption of Innocence"
Yoon's Legal Team: "Intending Public Humiliation"
Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, strongly criticized the special prosecutor team led by Min Junggi (hereinafter referred to as the special prosecutor), which is investigating Kim Keonhee. She argued that the use of physical force and the violation of the human rights of a former president are actions not even seen in the handling of ordinary criminal suspects.
On August 7, Na Kyungwon stated on her Facebook page, "Former President Yoon Sukyeol naturally has the right to remain silent, but attempting to forcibly bring in a former president twice may constitute a violation of the constitutional and criminal procedure rights to remain silent, which are guaranteed to everyone."
Na Kyungwon continued, "Today, the special prosecutor attempted a second forced escort. It is reported that more than ten people used physical force. In the process, the former president was put at risk of injury," and added, "Such actions are not seen even with ordinary criminal suspects. This is a serious violation of the Constitution and an infringement of human rights. If the human rights of a former president are trampled in this way, it cannot be seen as just and lawful law enforcement, but only as severe political retaliation."
Yoon's Legal Team: "Special Prosecutor Intends Public Humiliation... Conducting Investigation with a Pre-Determined Conclusion"
On the same day, former President Yoon Sukyeol's legal team also issued a statement condemning the repeated attempts by the Kim Keonhee special prosecutor team to forcibly bring in Yoon. They argued that even if an arrest warrant is issued for the purpose of investigation, if former President Yoon chooses to exercise his right to remain silent, the warrant cannot be executed, and such actions can only be interpreted as public humiliation.
Song Jinho (left) and Bae Boyun (center), lawyers representing former President Yoon Sukyeol, are attending the warrant hearing held last month on the 9th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The legal team stated, "The current special prosecutors are conducting one-sided investigations based on conclusions that have already been determined, without considering any arguments from former President Yoon's side," and added, "That is why former President Yoon has stated that he will exercise his right to remain silent and cannot cooperate with the investigation."
They continued, "If a suspect refuses to testify, prosecutors can decide whether to indict based on existing evidence and statements. Former President Moon Jaein also refused to appear for prosecution, and there was a case where prosecutors indicted without an investigation."
The legal team emphasized, "Nevertheless, if the special prosecutor uses physical force to bring in former President Yoon, it is an admission that the purpose is not investigation but public humiliation. The principles of the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act, as well as standards for the human rights of suspects, must not be disregarded simply to humiliate one person."
The special prosecutor team led by Min Junggi, which is investigating allegations related to Yoon's wife, Kim Keonhee, visited Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province again earlier in the day to arrest former President Yoon, but failed to do so.
Na Kyungwon: "Is the Special Prosecutor Investigating to Show Loyalty to the Lee Administration... The Criminal Justice System Has Completely Collapsed"
Na Kyungwon pointed out that the special prosecutor is using physical force to show blind loyalty to the Lee Jaemyung administration, even though the rebellion trial has not even begun and the presumption of innocence should apply.
Na Kyungwon stated, "Does the special prosecutor want to conduct an investigation, or simply show blind loyalty to the Lee Jaemyung administration?" She continued, "Since the imposition of martial law, Korea's criminal justice system has completely collapsed. In the face of the terrifying word 'rebellion,' it is now considered natural for the rights and due process of defendants and suspects to be ignored."
She added, "The rebellion trial has not even started yet, and the presumption of innocence should apply until the Supreme Court's final decision, but the former president and the People Power Party have already been branded as rebels. That is why the special prosecutor used such ruthless physical force today. This is clearly excessive law enforcement that violates the principle of proportionality and appears to be a politically motivated investigation. Ultimately, it is behavior that undermines the credibility of the special prosecutor itself."
In conclusion, she said, "The current actions of the special prosecutor are nothing but deeply shameful. It appears that a bloody purge reminiscent of absolute monarchy is underway in Korea. The special prosecutor is dancing with a sword in front of it. When this frenzy finally subsides, the responsibility will by no means be light."
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