Democratic Party urges court to extend Han Duck-soo's detention, warns of 'insurrection release domino'

The Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday urged the judiciary to extend the detention of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, saying "the public will not tolerate an insurrectionist sentenced to 15 years in prison walking free on the streets."

Floor spokesperson Lee Ju-hee said in a written briefing that "it must not be time, rather than a verdict, that sets insurrectionist Han Duck-soo free."

Lee said the special prosecutor had submitted opinions to both the Supreme Court and a separate trial court, warning that Han's whereabouts would be difficult to track if released and that carrying out any sentence could be disrupted. "Grounds for detention are already sufficient, and there are ways to extend it," Lee said.

Lee also noted that former Minister Lee Sang-min, whose case is before the same en banc panel, is set to have his detention expire Dec. 18. "There is deep public concern that if former Prime Minister Han is released, an 'insurrection release domino' could begin," Lee said.

"There is no reason for the special prosecutor or the court to hesitate," Lee added. "We will watch to the end to ensure there is no gap in holding the insurrectionists accountable."

Rep. Kim Jun-hyeok, co-chair of the pro-Lee Jae Myung faction within the party, announced plans to stage a one-person protest Monday outside the Supreme Court to press for a swift ruling in Han's case.

Meanwhile, floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-su criticized Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon for urging President Lee Jae Myung to exercise his veto over the so-called fabricated indictment special prosecutor act. "Is he suggesting we simply bury the allegations that prosecutors fabricated indictments?" Jeon said.

Jeon said in a written briefing that Oh's claims were wrong on the facts, noting that the president had asked at a press conference in September that provisions on the transfer and disposition of indicted cases be removed so the legislation could focus solely on uncovering the truth.

"The purpose of the fabricated indictment special prosecutor act is to expose the substance of allegations that prosecutors abused their investigative and indictment powers to fabricate cases," Jeon added. "Before offering unsolicited advice on others' affairs, answer first for the Han River bus allegations surrounding yourself."