By Choi Ha-young
The conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) criticized the prosecution over its handling of former President Park Geun-hye, saying its demand for a 30-year prison term, Tuesday, was cruel.
"How can it be crueler than this? A demand for the death sentence would be less cruel," LKP spokesman Chang Je-won said. "The prosecution's demand to imprison the ex-president, who has already been impeached and removed from office, is aimed to curry favor with the liberal government."
Along with the virtual life imprisonment, the prosecution also called for the court to fine her 118.5 billion won ($110 million).
Earlier in December last year, the LKP expelled Park, in a bid to sever ties with the disgraced former president. However, it protested against a widening investigation into Park and her conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak, calling the move a "political vendetta."
Other than the LKP, other parties unanimously criticized Park, who consistently refused to attend her trial.
"Until the last moment, Park has rejected attending her trial and ignored the truth around her. Park, who neglected her duty to serve the country, deserves such criticism for her abuse of presidential power," Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said Wednesday.
The chairwoman also mentioned the case of Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong, who was released from prison on appeal. The decision bewildered Koreans, since he was accused of bribing Park's friend Choi Soon-sil, which led to the court sentencing Choi to a 20-year prison term.
The minor liberal Party for Democracy and Peace (PDP) further urged imprisoning ex-President Lee. "Lee should be put in a jail cell next to Park," PDP spokesman Rep. Choi Gyung-hwan said.
The centrist Bareun Mirae Party (BMP) said the judicial procedure against Park was a "historical tragedy."
The progressive Justice Party called for the trial to rule in line with public sentiment. "The prosecution's demand is not excessive, considering the influence-peddling charges against involving Park. Now, the court is obliged to make a reasonable ruling," party spokesman Choi Suk said.
The conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) criticized the prosecution over its handling of former President Park Geun-hye, saying its demand for a 30-year prison term, Tuesday, was cruel.
"How can it be crueler than this? A demand for the death sentence would be less cruel," LKP spokesman Chang Je-won said. "The prosecution's demand to imprison the ex-president, who has already been impeached and removed from office, is aimed to curry favor with the liberal government."
Along with the virtual life imprisonment, the prosecution also called for the court to fine her 118.5 billion won ($110 million).
Earlier in December last year, the LKP expelled Park, in a bid to sever ties with the disgraced former president. However, it protested against a widening investigation into Park and her conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak, calling the move a "political vendetta."
Other than the LKP, other parties unanimously criticized Park, who consistently refused to attend her trial.
"Until the last moment, Park has rejected attending her trial and ignored the truth around her. Park, who neglected her duty to serve the country, deserves such criticism for her abuse of presidential power," Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said Wednesday.
The chairwoman also mentioned the case of Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong, who was released from prison on appeal. The decision bewildered Koreans, since he was accused of bribing Park's friend Choi Soon-sil, which led to the court sentencing Choi to a 20-year prison term.
The minor liberal Party for Democracy and Peace (PDP) further urged imprisoning ex-President Lee. "Lee should be put in a jail cell next to Park," PDP spokesman Rep. Choi Gyung-hwan said.
The centrist Bareun Mirae Party (BMP) said the judicial procedure against Park was a "historical tragedy."
The progressive Justice Party called for the trial to rule in line with public sentiment. "The prosecution's demand is not excessive, considering the influence-peddling charges against involving Park. Now, the court is obliged to make a reasonable ruling," party spokesman Choi Suk said.
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