[사설] Money envelope investigation and trial for Representative Lee must speed up regardless of general election results

The trial has begun for former and current members of the Democratic Party of Korea who were indicted on suspicion of ‘money enveloping’. Yesterday, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial of Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Jong-sik, independent lawmaker Yoon Kwan-seok and Lee Seong-man, and former lawmaker Lim Jong-seong, who were indicted on charges of violating the Political Party Act. Representative Yoon is accused of delivering money envelopes containing 3 million won each to Lee, Heo, and Lim, who were active members of the National Assembly, ahead of the Democratic Party’s National Convention in April 2021. Rep. Heo and others said at the trial yesterday, “We did not receive money or valuables from Rep. Yoon.” Rep. Yoon even denied delivering the money envelope. Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, who did not appear at the trial after bail was denied, also appeared in court that day.

The investigation targeting the pan-opposition group, including the Democratic Party, has a long way to go. Aside from the suspicions of development corruption in Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong, which are currently on trial, there is also interest in whether Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myeong, who was subpoenaed last year for suspicion of Ssangbangwool remittances to North Korea, will be indicted. The investigation of former Supreme Court Justice Kwon Soon-il related to the suspicions of the Daejang-dong 5 billion club is a highly influential issue that could spread to suspicions of judicial transactions with CEO Lee. During the Moon Jae-in administration, the targets of the re-investigation into the Blue House’s intervention in the Ulsan mayoral election include Cho Kuk, head of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and others. As there is great public interest, a quick investigation is necessary.

We must never sit idly by and watch politicians ridicule the investigation and play games with the trial. Representative Lee was late for the trial on the 12th of last month using the general election as an excuse, and did not appear on the 19th without permission from the court. Lee Hwa-young, former vice-governor of Gyeonggi Province, who was indicted in this case, recently recanted her statement in court, saying, “I was cajoled by drinking alcohol at the prosecutor’s office.” He wasted time by replacing his lawyer or requesting to avoid the court. The Democratic Party’s impeachment of Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office 2nd Deputy Director Lee Jeong-seop, who was leading the Ssangbangwool remittance suspicions to North Korea, is a representative example of delaying the trial. President-elect Kim Dong-ah (Seodaemun Gap, Seoul), known as the ‘Daejang-dong lawyer’, criticized Representative Lee’s attendance at the trial during the election campaign, saying, “The judiciary is stuck in formal logic and denying the constitutional order.” This cannot be anything other than sophistry intended to hinder the trial. I am worried that they will threaten the prosecution and the court by waving their right to impeach prosecutors and judges.

Ahead of the general election, prosecutors and courts took a break to block unnecessary controversy over political interference. Now that the election is over, we must quickly begin to uncover the truth. We must not sit back and forth and ensure that a strict investigation and trial is conducted based only on legal principles and evidence. If the person fails to comply with the summons or trial, it is right to arrest him or her without delay. The judicial and prosecutorial powers should no longer be swayed by political influences.

[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]