Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in on Friday criticised his indictment on bribery charges, accusing prosecutors of political bias and abuse of authority.
Moon was indicted Thursday over allegations tied to the employment of his former son-in-law at a Thai airline between 2018 and 2020.
The case also involves former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, who was accused of securing a government post in exchange for hiring Moon’s relative.
“The indictment is not only unfair but reveals the predetermined direction of this investigation,” Moon said during a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik.
“Beyond proving my innocence, I intend to expose and raise awareness of the prosecution’s politicisation," he said.
The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office stated that Lee was indicted for bribery and breach of trust. They allege that his appointment as head of the SMEs and Startups Agency was linked to the employment benefits granted to Moon’s son-in-law at a Thai firm Lee controlled.
Moon’s legal team rejected the allegations, claiming the payments received were legitimate salaries for work performed. They also accused the prosecution of targeting Moon in advance of the upcoming snap presidential election on 3 June.
The election was triggered by the impeachment and removal of president Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration. Moon is affiliated with the liberal Democratic Party (DP), while Yoon is a member of the conservative People Power Party (PPP).
DP figure Lee Jae-myung currently leads in opinion polls by a wide margin over PPP candidates.
Prosecutors referenced past convictions of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak as precedents for Moon’s indictment. Both were found guilty of bribery and served prison sentences.
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