The Central People’s Power Ethics Committee is controversial when it revealed that Lee Jun-seok’s comments against the party and party members were offensive or accused him of being subject to disciplinary procedures.
At a time when the legal dispute over the effectiveness of the Emergency Response Committee had not even ended, the Ethics Committee had the momentum to oust CEO Lee Jun-seok, and the party was once again caught in a maelstrom. Furthermore, it is noted that the reason for disciplinary action is a matter of expression such as insults or accusations against the party, so it is noted that the justification to be presented as the teachers who destroyed evidence of sexual harassment in the past is insufficient. President Lee immediately countered that it was a matter of freedom of expression.
The People’s Power Central Ethics Committee (Chairman Yang-hee Lee) held the 7th meeting of the Central Ethics Committee on the afternoon of the 18th and announced that it had started the disciplinary procedure for Lee Jun-seok (CEO). The reasons stated by the Ethics Committee include, “(CEO Lee) obstructs party unity and undermines the prestige of the party by using offensive or slanderous expressions without objective grounds against party members, party members , and party organizations and allegations of breaking the law, etc. (Article 20, No. 1 to 3 of the Ethics Committee Regulations / Article 4, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Ethics Rule).”
In a briefing after the meeting, Chairman Lee Yang-hee said, “It was also written a lot in the press,” when asked by a reporter what kind of expression was the problem. Specifically, to the question ‘Is the word about dog meat and the new military unit correct?’, he replied, “I won’t say anything because I have to define it that way.”
Regarding whether to decide on disciplinary action on the 28th, Chairman Lee said, “We have decided to adjust the schedule for the disciplinary procedure and discussion for member Lee Jun-seok later.”
Regarding CEO Lee Jun-seok’s request to attend, Chairman Lee said, “Normally, everyone has the opportunity to explain in writing, and if they wish, they always have the opportunity to be present.” When asked, ‘If the reason for disciplinary action is serious and obvious, it may not be possible to ignore the call,’ Chairman Lee said, “Nevertheless, especially since it is the party leader’s position, I intend to attend the meeting. person and place my call.”
When asked for his opinion on the interpretation that more serious disciplinary action (invitation to withdraw from the party, expulsion) was inevitable because the level of disciplinary action was already ‘suspended party membership for 6 months’, he said Chairman Lee, “We are going forward based on everything in the party’s constitution.” he replied.
In response, CEO Lee Jun-seok took a stance to the effect that it is not subject to disciplinary action, saying it is a matter of freedom of expression.
In a post on his Facebook page on the evening of the 18th, after confirming all the content of the Ethics Committee’s briefing, CEO Lee said, “It means that the disciplinary process will start for using double-headed expression and tongue.” I dedicate it to the Chairman.” Article 19 of the United Nations Human Rights Code states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes the freedom to seek, receive and exercise information and ideas in any medium and in any condition, without interference,” Lee wrote, writing.
However, CEO Lee did not comment on the content validity of the core issues police are investigating, such as allegations of sexual abuse, allegations of teachers destroying evidence, and accusations of innocence. On the 17th, CEO Lee attended the anti-corruption and public crime investigation team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and was investigated for 12 hours.
Regarding this, CEO Lee said, “As coordinated with the Anti-Corruption Investigations Department of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, I have been attending since the morning of the 17th and responded to the investigation of the charges against me . There was nothing,” he wrote.
