Rep. Jung Chung-rae: "Lee Hwa-young Trial May Involve Prosecution Collusion; Must Fully Abolish Supplementary Investigation Rights"

Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae stated today (June 22) that the court's ruling, which dismissed the so-called "salmon and alcohol party" allegations raised by former Gyeonggi Province Peace Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young as false, is "a truly regrettable and strange verdict."

During the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today, Jung emphasized, "Although we have habitually stated that we respect the judiciary's rulings, this is a verdict that is impossible to accept or acknowledge."

He explained, "There are media reports citing prison officials' statements (that they smelled alcohol) and circumstantial evidence of drinking," and noted that there is also an investigation report from the Ministry of Justice's special inspection team that confirmed the circumstances of the alleged salmon and alcohol party.

He added, "I express deep regret toward the court for reaching a guilty verdict despite having examined the Ministry of Justice's investigation report and food purchase records, which could have helped determine whether food was actually brought in and if such circumstances existed."

He further stated, "I hope for a different judgment in the appellate trial."

Previously, the Suwon District Court's 11th Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Song Byeong-hun) sentenced former Vice Governor Lee to four months in prison on June 20 during a jury trial for perjury (violation of the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly) regarding the "salmon and alcohol party" allegations.

Before concluding the meeting, Jung made additional remarks, pointing out, "Watching this Lee Hwa-young trial, I once again thought that the prosecution is a group that is truly beyond repair."

He claimed, "The Ministry of Justice and the High Prosecutors' Office investigated this case, but it is said that the materials were not submitted to the court," adding, "Could this also be collusion by the prosecution? I believe that if these materials had been submitted, the verdict would have been not guilty."

He continued, "We must be firm with the prosecution, which is constantly obsessed with protecting its investigative powers, and tell them, 'Don't even dream about it,'" and warned, "If we grant them even a spoonful of supplementary investigation power, they might turn that spoon into a knife and point it at the regime at any moment."

Furthermore, he reiterated, "We must eliminate even the slightest trace of supplementary investigation power," and emphasized, "The final chapter of prosecution reform is the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.