Family condemns Western Sea verdict as 'absurd'
The Family of Lee Dae-jun Expresses Disappointment Over Acquittal
The elder brother of the late Lee Dae-jun, a victim in the "Western Sea official killing cover-up" case, Lee Rae-jin, expressed deep frustration following the court's sentencing on the 26th. He stated, “Today’s ruling is perplexing and absurd to accept.” This sentiment was echoed by the family’s legal representative, lawyer Kim Ki-yoon, who criticized the verdict as “a ruling that has significantly lost rationality and lacks social validity.”
On this day, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Jee Kui-youn, acquitted five individuals involved in the case. These included former Cheong Wa Dae National Security Adviser Suh Hoon, former National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won, and former Defense Minister Suh Wook. This marked the first trial related to the case.
Lee Rae-jin described the court’s judgment as “a recitation at the level of an elementary school student lacking professionalism.” He further criticized the state for not protecting its citizens, stating, “The state did nothing to protect and safeguard the lives of its citizens, yet it justified this inaction.” He questioned the purpose of having a military, prosecutors, judges, and police if they failed to act.
He also raised concerns about the length of the trial, stating, “It is also questionable that it took such a long time to reach this judgment.” Lee pointed out that if the court intended to acquit the defendants, it should have done so immediately instead of dragging the process out for six years. “How much suffering have we endured during this time?” he asked.
Lee attributed the outcome to the Moon Jae-in administration’s failure to properly investigate and announce the findings. He claimed, “Everything was distorted during the process where the investigation was halted.” He added that the family plans to consult with experts to determine how to proceed with the trial moving forward.
In a phone call with this newspaper, lawyer Kim Ki-yoon raised doubts about the government’s narrative. He questioned, “Can the government’s announcement that a person who was a father with elementary and high school children, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official with a stable job and regular income, suddenly defected to North Korea due to mental health issues be believed from a general perspective?”
He emphasized that the not-guilty verdict lacked both rationality and social validity. “A swift appeal is necessary,” he said, highlighting the need for further legal action.
Key Points from the Family’s Statement
- Lee Rae-jin criticized the court’s judgment as unprofessional and lacking in depth.
- He expressed frustration with the state’s failure to protect citizens.
- The family believes the prolonged trial caused unnecessary suffering.
- They argue that the Moon Jae-in administration’s handling of the case led to an unjust outcome.
- Lawyer Kim Ki-yoon questions the credibility of the government’s explanation regarding Lee Dae-jun’s actions.
- The family plans to seek expert advice on how to proceed with the case.
- A swift appeal is seen as essential to challenge the verdict.
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