Prosecution Drops Appeal Against First Trial Verdict in People Power Party 'National Assembly Fast-Track Clash' Case

The prosecution has decided not to appeal the case involving former and current members of the People Power Party who were implicated in the National Assembly fast-track clash.

Yonhap News Agency

On November 27, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office announced that it would not appeal the first-instance verdict that imposed fines on 25 defendants, including six People Power Party lawmakers indicted on charges such as obstruction of special official duties.

On the final day of the appeal period, the prosecution stated, "While there is some regret that the sentences for some defendants fell short of the prosecution's recommendations, we have decided not to file an appeal after comprehensively considering that guilty verdicts were rendered for the overall offenses, the defendants’ motives were not for personal gain, and there is a need to minimize the prolonged dispute, which has lasted nearly six years since the incident occurred."

Previously, on November 20, Judge Jang Chan of the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court sentenced Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon to a fine of 24 million won and People Power Party Floor Leader Song Eonseok to a fine of 11.5 million won on charges including obstruction of special official duties.

In addition, Assemblywoman Kim Jungjae was fined 11.5 million won, Assemblyman Lee Manhee was fined 8.5 million won, Assemblyman Yoon Hanhong was fined 7.5 million won, and Assemblyman Lee Cheolgyu was fined 5.5 million won.

As a result of these sentences, current lawmakers such as Assemblywoman Na and Floor Leader Song will retain their seats. In general criminal cases, a sentence of imprisonment or higher, or in cases of violations of the National Assembly Act, a fine of at least 5 million won, is required for a lawmaker to lose their seat.

The sentencing hearing for Democratic Party lawmakers indicted in the same case on charges including violations of the Act on Punishment of Violent Acts is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on November 28.