"No Voice During Martial Law or the Western District Court Riot"
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly criticized Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Heedae on September 17. This was in response to Chief Justice Cho's outright denial of allegations that he discussed President Lee Jaemyung's violation of the Public Official Election Act with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo and others.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On the same day, through his social media account, Jeong stated, "Chief Justice Cho Heedae failed to voice a prompt and clear opposition during the December 3 Martial Law, and did not deliver a strong message during the Western District Court riot," adding, "Yet, when it comes to his own allegations, he is quick to make a statement. This makes him unqualified as the head of the judiciary. I hope he will simply live as Attorney Cho Heedae."
Chief Justice Cho released his statement through the Supreme Court a little after 5 p.m. on this day. This was to address the claim made by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Boo Seungchan during a government inquiry at the National Assembly the previous day, where Boo cited an anonymous tip alleging that Chief Justice Cho had lunch with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo and others on April 4, three days after the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol.
Assemblyman Jeong Cheongrae commented on this, saying, "There was no resolute voice from the Chief Justice during the December 3 Martial Law or the Western District Court riot. He, who contributed to the distrust in the judiciary, now raises a loud voice against judicial reform. Yet, he responds to his own allegations at the speed of light. There is no dignity of a judicial leader left, only the risk of a diminished individual, Cho Heedae."
He went on to argue that if Chief Justice Cho denies the allegations, the only way to reveal the truth is through a special prosecutor's investigation. He also added that the remand of President Lee Jaemyung's election law case during his presidential candidacy was an unprecedented event, and that uncovering the truth behind suspicions of election interference would be achieved through judicial reform.
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