"Serious Procedural Violations in Ethics Committee's Decision"
"Another Declaration of Martial Law... I Will Stop It"
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon stated on January 14 that the Central Ethics Committee's decision to expel him over the so-called party member bulletin board incident was "tantamount to another martial law being declared," adding, "I will make sure to stop this martial law as well."
At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Han said, "They expelled me based on fabricated falsehoods after I protected the party and prevented martial law," making these remarks.
The party's Ethics Committee made a sudden decision in the early morning hours to expel former leader Han. In a press release issued around 1 a.m. and a correction released in the morning, the committee explained, "The Party Affairs Audit Committee's investigation confirmed that posts were made using accounts under the name of the disciplinary subject," and added, "The person under investigation bears significant political and ethical responsibility."
Han raised concerns about procedural illegality in the Ethics Committee's decision. He pointed out, "Normally, the person under investigation is notified five days in advance, but I only received a text message late the day before yesterday saying that the case had been referred to the Ethics Committee, and then the next day I was told to appear," adding, "I believe there is a serious procedural illegality."
He also criticized the political motives behind the expulsion. Han said, "Representative Jang Donghyuk is taking steps to remove me because I blocked martial law," and added, "The Ethics Committee claims to be a public-interest body, but that is not what they are demonstrating right now."
However, Han indicated that he is not considering filing for a retrial regarding the Ethics Committee's decision. He stated, "The Ethics Committee changed its decision twice, clearly having predetermined the outcome and then fitting the facts to it," adding, "There is no point in requesting a retrial from such a committee."
The Ethics Committee's decision for severe disciplinary action will be finalized after a resolution by the Supreme Council. The party leadership plans to vote on Han's expulsion at the Supreme Council meeting on January 15. After a 'Daejeon-Chungnam Integration Policy Consultation' between the party leader and the Daejeon mayor held at Daejeon City Hall that day, Representative Jang told reporters, "I believe the Ethics Committee made its decision after considering various circumstances," adding, "We are not considering overturning this decision or seeking alternative solutions at this time."
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