The Supreme Prosecutors Workplace’s investigation evaluate committee suggested Friday in opposition to indicting first girl Kim Keon Hee for accepting a luxurious purse from a Korean American pastor.
The panel, comprising 15 exterior specialists, reached the conclusion after a gathering on the prime prosecutors workplace to evaluate the primary girl’s case involving allegations that she illegally obtained a Dior purse value 3 million gained ($2,248) and different costly items from pastor Choi Jae-young in 2022.
Following a four-month inquiry, an investigative staff of prosecutors on the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Workplace lately determined to drop graft, bribery and different prices in opposition to the primary girl, concluding that the items weren’t associated to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official duties.
Prosecutor Normal Lee One-seok later determined to refer the case to the investigative evaluate committee, citing the necessity to guarantee equity within the investigation’s consequence.
Friday’s assembly was additionally attended by the prosecution staff accountable for the investigation, who defined the explanations behind their conclusion, and the primary girl’s lawyer who offered her protection.
The panel didn’t disclose whether or not all 15 members attended the assembly and the way most of the attending members suggested in opposition to indicting the primary girl.
The Korean American pastor has repeatedly requested to attend the session however was not allowed, as solely victims or suspects within the case beneath evaluate are permitted to participate.
Following the assembly, Choi stated he can not settle for the choice, denouncing the panel for less than listening to the opinions of Kim’s lawyer and the prosecution.
Choi has insisted that the items got to the primary girl in hopes of acquiring administrative favors or securing conferences to request such favors.
In an announcement, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Workplace stated its investigative staff faithfully defined to the panel particulars of its probe and can attain its ultimate conclusion on the case after considering the panel’s determination and particulars mentioned within the assembly.
Prosecutors are required to respect the panel’s determination, however they aren’t obligated to adjust to it.
Prosecutors search exterior specialists’ opinions on investigative issues via the evaluate committee, and politically delicate investigations have usually been referred to the panel to make sure impartiality. (Yonhap)