Former Employment and Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo on Wednesday criticized the first-instance court ruling that would strip Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of his post, saying the judiciary operates on a standard of "ruling party innocent, opposition guilty."
In a Facebook post, Kim said Oh had been fined 10 million won ($6,780) by the Seoul Central District Court for violating the Political Funds Act.
He questioned how anyone could trust a judiciary that has stalled five ongoing trials involving President Lee Jae Myung while handing down what he called a "fatal ruling" against Oh.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Chief Judge Jo Hyeong-u, sentenced Oh on Wednesday to a 10 million won fine on charges that he received polling data from political broker Myeong Tae-gyun, whose expenses were covered by a supporter.
If the sentence is upheld on appeal, Oh would lose his mayoral seat.
shindw@heraldcorp.com
