PPP Calls Oh Se-hoon's 1st Trial Verdict 'Politically Motivated,' Criticizes Double Standards

The People Power Party (PPP) has strongly protested after a court sentenced Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, a party member, to a 10 million won fine in a trial over charges of violating the Political Funds Act—a sentence that would invalidate his election—criticizing the ruling as a "politically motivated judgment that collapsed judicial justice."

Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon stated in a commentary today (the 22nd) that "this ruling leaves only deep doubts about the independence and fairness of the judiciary."

"Among the public, the perception of a so-called 'ruling party is innocent, opposition party is guilty' standard is spreading, where lenient criteria are applied to ruling camp figures and excessively strict criteria to opposition figures," Spokesperson Park fiercely criticized, adding, "The expansion of this perception will only further fuel distrust not only in the judiciary, but also public distrust in the Lee Jae-myung administration."

He continued, "In particular, trials concerning elected public officials chosen by the 10 million citizens of Seoul require strict legal principles and cautious judgment more than any other case," condemning the ruling by stating, "Nonetheless, shaking the public's choice with a verdict that invites political controversy is difficult to avoid criticism as a highly irresponsible act that shakes the foundation of democracy."

He added, "The People Power Party expects this verdict to be reviewed more faithfully and rigorously in accordance with the law and evidence during the appellate and higher court proceedings," and noted, "Under no political circumstances should the independence and fairness of the judiciary be shaken, and a rational and fair judgment that all citizens can accept must be reached."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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