PPP chair Lee Jun-seok objects to his suspension related to sexual bribery scandal

Описание: 이준석 6개월 당원권 정지에 '원내대표 직무대행체제'... 이준석, “물러날 생각 없다”

This morning, the chairman of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, Lee Jun-seok, was suspended from the party... by its ethics committee over his alleged attempt to cover up an incident where he's accused of accepting sexual services paid for by a businessman seeking his influence.
The PPP's floor leader will service as acting chair, and Lee Jun-seok, in the mean time is likely to appeal.
Lee Kyung-eun has the details.
Following an 8-hour marathon discussion... the People Power Party's independent ethics committee decided on a six-month suspension for its party chair Lee Jun-seok... over a sexual bribery scandal.
This is the first time in South Korean history that a ruling party chair has faced such a punishment.
However, as the case is still under investigation, the committee made clear... that the decision was not based on the sexual bribery case itself but on Lee's alleged attempts to destroy evidence... and his failure to maintain the standards expected of a party leader.
Lee had refuted all these allegations before the committee.

"I explained thoroughly for an extended time and answered questions clearly from my perspective."

But the committee concluded that his claims are "not credible"... citing the alleged attempt by his close aide to cover up the scandal.

"We took into consideration that it's difficult for an aide of Lee to bring a massive investment pledge to a businessperson who offered sexual services... without any consultation... as well as many other things."

That aid Kim Cheol-geun has been given a 2-year suspension from the party.
Shortly after, Lee Jun-seok said in an interview that he can not accept the punishment when he has not even been found guilty by any investigation.
And as previously expected, Lee is considering all possible options to block the action like using his chairmanship rights to put the decision on hold.
He is also looking at asking for a re-assessment... or filing for an injunction.
However, the PPP's floor leader Kweon Seong-dong said the disciplinary action will take effect immediately.
And in line with party rules, the floor leader will serve as acting chair... to prevent any chaos caused by a leadership vaccum.

"Regardless of Lee Jun-seok's response, the suspension will inevitably imperil Lee's political career.
And it will likely intensify tensions within the party mainly between those who support Lee's objection... and those who don't.
Lee Kyung-eun, Arirang News."

#LeeJunseok #suspension #sexual_bribery

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2022-07-08, 17:00 (KST)