Song Young-gil Arrest Hearing: Debate Over Evidence & Crime Severity

Song Young-gil Arrest Hearing: Debate Over Destruction of Evidence and Severity of Crime

On the morning of the 18th, Judge Yoo Chang-hoon presided over the arrest hearing of former Democratic Party member Song Young-gil, who is a suspect in the destruction of evidence and a serious crime. It is expected that the prosecution and the defense team will engage in a fierce battle over concerns about the destruction of evidence and the severity of the crime. Song’s side, who exercised the right to remain silent during the prosecution’s investigation, is expected to present their position in court.

Judge Yoo Chang-hoon Conducts Arrest Hearing for Song Young-gil

According to legal circles on the 16th, Judge Yoo Chang-hoon, who is in charge of arrest warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, will conduct the arrest hearing for Song Young-gil, who is facing charges of violating the Political Fund Act, on the morning of the 18th at 10 a.m.

Reasons for Arrest

The reasons for the arrest include concerns of flight, destruction of evidence, and tampering with residence. The judge may also consider the seriousness of the crime, the risk of reoffending, and the potential harm to victims and key witnesses.

Prosecution and Defense Clash Over Severity of Crime and Destruction of Evidence

The prosecution is expected to clash with the defense over the severity of the crime and concerns about the destruction of evidence. By summoning investigative prosecutors and including Song Young-cheon, Song’s brother-in-law and a lawyer, in the defense team, the prosecution hopes to emphasize the seriousness of the crime and the risk of evidence tampering.

Song Young-gil Counters Allegations of Cash Envelopes

After undergoing questioning by the prosecution on the 8th, Song Young-gil countered allegations of receiving cash envelopes, questioning whether it is a significant enough crime to imprison a three-term incumbent lawmaker like Yoon Kwang-seok. “Do they consider it such a serious crime that they need to keep a three-term incumbent lawmaker like him in custody? I disagree.”

Prosecution Emphasizes Severity of Crime in Political Fund Violation Case

The prosecution emphasized that the allegations of distributing large sums of money during the party leadership election process, undermining the democratic nature of the party as emphasized by the constitution, constitute a serious crime. They particularly highlighted the establishment of a nonprofit organization as an illegal political fund channel, citing it as a case of political and business collusion.

Prosecution Expected to Emphasize Need for Song Young-gil’s Arrest Based on Previous Arrest Cases

Based on previous cases where Yoon Kwang-seok, a former lawmaker, and Kang Rae-gu, a former permanent auditor of the Korea Water Resources Corporation, were arrested on allegations of cash envelope distribution, the prosecution is expected to emphasize the need for the arrest of Song Young-gil, who is the ultimate beneficiary and highest-ranking official involved.

Song Young-gil Alleges Unfair Investigation into Internal Election-Related Crimes

Song Young-gil argued that it is unfair for the special unit of the prosecution to investigate internal election-related crimes for over two years. The Public Official Election Act has adopted a short statute of limitations of six months.

Prosecution Emphasizes Concerns of Evidence Tampering

The prosecution plans to emphasize concerns of evidence tampering. There is a fear that those who are currently not under arrest can coordinate their statements. Former auditor Kang and former aide Park, who are currently out on bail, fall into this category.

Prosecution Files Charges of Evidence Concealment against Song Young-gil

The prosecution confirmed evidence concealment during the investigation and also identified attempts to exert influence on relevant individuals. There are also suspicions raised to ascertain the progress of the investigation, such as the replacement of the hard disk at the Peace and Democracy Research Institute (MDR) and the use of unregistered mobile phones.

Song Young-gil Questions Arrest Warrant Request by Prosecution

Song Young-gil questioned the arrest warrant, asking, “Didn’t Minister Han Dong-hoon (Ministry of Justice) refuse to provide his mobile phone password? Wasn’t the prosecutor who engaged in physical altercation during the search and seizure process not prosecuted?” He pointed out the inconsistency of requesting an arrest warrant despite these circumstances.

Song Young-gil Denies All Allegations

Song Young-gil denied all allegations. Regarding the cash envelope allegations, he said, “Yoon Kwang-seok, who claims to have received a cash envelope, donated 3 million won to me. Most lawmakers donated 300,000 won, 200,000 won, or 100,000 won. There are even people who gave me money asking for help with my election campaign.”

Song Young-gil Denies Personal Gain through MDR Donations

Song Young-gil denied receiving any personal gain through MDR donations, stating, “I have never personally received MDR funds or sent flowers or wreaths.” He also stated that he has never received illegal political funds and is completely unaware of such circumstances.

Judge Rejects Arrest Warrant for Song Young-gil

Judge Yoo Chang-hoon rejected the arrest warrant for Song Young-gil, stating that unlike the former auditors and aides, he cannot definitively determine the concerns of evidence tampering.