"The Prosecution Is Also Complicit in the Ruling Party's One-Party Dictatorship Ambition"
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, strongly criticized the prosecution for seeking prison sentences for former leaders and lawmakers of the Liberty Korea Party, the predecessor of the People Power Party, who were implicated in the National Assembly fast-track clash incident.
On September 15 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Leader Jang commented on the first trial's sentencing hearing for the fast-track clash case, stating, "The prosecution has requested sentences that would result in our party's lawmakers losing their seats," and added, "The prosecution has become a servant of those in power, seeking unimaginable heavy sentences against opposition lawmakers."
Hwang Kyoahn, leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party, Na Kyungwon of the People Power Party, and 24 others were indicted on charges of confining Chae Ibae, a lawmaker from the Bareunmirae Party, in his office, occupying the Bill Department office, and seizing the meeting rooms of the Special Committee on Political Reform and the Special Committee on Judicial Reform in 2019, thereby obstructing bill submissions and meetings. At the time, the ruling and opposition parties were fiercely debating whether to push forward with fast-track legislation for the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system.
On this day, the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court sought a two-year prison sentence for Na Kyungwon and a one year and six month sentence for Hwang Kyoahn, nearly six years and five months after the incident. Song Wonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, was given a requested sentence of ten months in prison and a fine of 2 million won. Lee Cheolgyu and Hong Cheolho, also of the same party, were each given requested fines of 2 million won and 5 million won, respectively.
Leader Jang stated, "Looking back, this incident was an attempt to block the Public Official Election Act revision related to the mixed-member proportional representation system and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials bill." He continued, "It has been confirmed that the mixed-member proportional representation system was a failed legislative amendment, and it is now clear that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is an institution that should never have been created."
Leader Jang further remarked, "The prosecution is being threatened with dissolution, with knives pointed at their hearts and chests, yet I cannot understand with what mindset, what lingering attachment, or what pride they continue to serve as a servant of those in power." He added, "The fast-track sentencing requests are also evidence that the prosecution is going along with the Democratic Party's ambition to eliminate the opposition, extend its rule, and turn South Korea into a one-party dictatorship, all for its own survival."
He concluded, "I am afraid of how this fast-track case will end," and added, "We will watch closely together with the people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
