▲ Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae attends the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th.
Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae stated today (June 22) that the court's ruling, which deemed the so-called "salmon drinking party" allegations raised by former Gyeonggi Province Peace Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young as false, was "truly regrettable and a strange ruling."
During the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today, Jung emphasized, "Although we have habitually said that we respect the judiciary's rulings, this is a verdict that is impossible to accept or acknowledge."
He explained, "There are media reports about prison officers' testimonies (that they smelled alcohol) and circumstances suggesting drinking," and added that there is also an investigation report from the Ministry of Justice's special inspection team that confirmed the circumstances of the salmon drinking party.
He continued, "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 to determine whether food was actually brought in and if such circumstances existed."
He added, "I hope for a different judgment in the appellate trial compared to the first trial."
Previously, the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Song Byeong-hun) sentenced former Vice Governor Lee to four months in prison during a jury trial sentencing hearing on the 20th for perjury (violation of the Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly) regarding the "salmon drinking party" allegations.
Meanwhile, regarding President Lee Jae-myung's mention of a "one-point constitutional amendment" for external oversight of the National Election Commission in response to the ballot paper shortage crisis, Jung stated, "I fully agree."
He further pointed out, "We must devise every possible method to rectify the infringement on citizens' voting rights and to ensure the election management system is reborn as a trusted institution."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.