Lee-trial
Another Lee trial postponed in halt to all 5 of his trials
SUWON, July 22 (Yonhap) -- A district court on Tuesday postponed President Lee Jae Myung's trial on alleged illegal remittances to North Korea, suspending all five of his criminal trials in the wake of his election last month.
The Suwon District Court said it took the decision in consideration of the fact that the defendant is currently serving as president and in a position representing the nation.
"In order to ensure he can focus on his duties guaranteed by the Constitution and for the continuity of the running of state affairs, we will designate a date in the future," the court said during a preparatory hearing for the case.
The trial centers on charges that while serving as Gyeonggi governor in 2019-2020, Lee ordered the chief of an underwear maker to send US$5 million to North Korea in funds for a smart farm project and another $3 million for his planned visit to the North.
Lee's four other trials have also been postponed in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution, which exempts a sitting president from criminal prosecution except in the case of insurrection or treason.
The cases are related to charges of making false statements ahead of the 2022 presidential election, corruption related to a development project undertaken during his time as Seongnam mayor, embezzlement of provincial funds during his time as Gyeonggi governor, and subornation of perjury.
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
