Statement of Intent for Citizen Participation Trial Submitted on August 29
Moon's Side: "Understands the Importance of Citizen Participation Trials Better Than Anyone"
Decision Expected at Second Pretrial Hearing on September 9
Former President Moon Jae-in's legal team has submitted a petition to the court requesting a jury trial in his bribery case. Emphasizing the symbolic significance and personal attachment to the system-given his involvement in discussions on its introduction as Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs during the Roh Moo-hyun administration-he expressed his desire to be judged by the people.
According to Asia Economy's coverage on September 1, Moon's attorney submitted a "statement of intent for a jury trial" to the 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Hyunbok) on August 29.
Moon's attorney explained, "As former President Moon served as Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs during the Participatory Government, when discussions on introducing the jury trial system began, he understands and values its significance more than anyone else and has a strong attachment to it. The application was submitted in hopes that this intention would be reflected in the current case."
The attorney added, "This case serves as a 'living textbook' showing how prosecutorial power can be abused in reality. By holding a trial with citizen jurors, we hope to have these concerns judged by the public."
The jury trial system was introduced during the Roh Moo-hyun administration and has been implemented in courts at all levels since 2008. Former President Moon, who was Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs at the time, is credited with being deeply involved in designing and promoting the system. The system allows ordinary citizens to participate as jurors and deliver verdicts on the defendant's guilt and sentencing. While jury verdicts are not legally binding, judges typically respect and reflect them in their rulings.
Previously, during the first pretrial hearing held in June, Moon's legal team had verbally expressed their wish for a jury trial. In response, the court stated, "For cases expected to require 10 to 30 trial dates, it is realistically difficult to proceed with a jury trial," and requested that the defense confirm their intention to apply for a jury trial by the next hearing.
Prosecutors suspect that in Moon's bribery case, 200 million won in salary and housing expenses received by his former son-in-law, Seo, from the airline T'way Air were bribes given to Moon by former lawmaker Lee Sangjik, the actual owner of T'way Air. The case was brought to trial in April, and the first pretrial hearing was held on June 17.
The second pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 9 at the Seoul Central District Court, where a decision on whether to proceed with a jury trial is also expected to be made.
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