Opposition leader cleared of perjury charges, but legal battles continue

By Im Yoon-seo Posted : November 25, 2024, 16:53 Updated : November 25, 2024, 21:44
 
The main opposition Democratic Party's leader Lee Jae-myung (center) speaks to reporters as he leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on Nov. 25, 2024. Yonhap
SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was cleared on Monday of charges that he had pressured a witness to provide false testimony in his favor.

The Seoul Central District Court found Lee not guilty as there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations that the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party had coerced a former mayoral secretary into committing perjury on his behalf.

In a series of legal battles that could threaten his political future, the latest charges stem from statements Lee made during his 2018 campaign when he ran for governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Monday's ruling offers some relief to Lee, who is currently facing multiple trials in separate cases, including one for violating election laws, in which he was sentenced to a suspended one-year prison term just ten days ago.

Following the verdict, Lee thanked the court for "bringing back truth and justice."

But uncertainty still remains over his political future including his possible bid for the 2027 presidential election, as he is embroiled in three other trials, including charges related to corruption and embezzlement.

Lee insists he is innocent of all charges and accuses prosecutors of launching a politically motivated investigation.

If upheld by the higher courts in any of his pending cases, with a fine exceeding one million won, he would be stripped of his parliamentary seat and barred from running in the upcoming presidential election.

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