An amendment to the pardon law that restricts pardons for those guilty of insurrection and foreign exchange crimes has been approved by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee in South Korea.
On the 20th, an amendment to the pardon law targeting individuals convicted of insurrection and foreign exchange crimes successfully passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. This legislative action is particularly significant as it aims to prevent former President Yoon Seok-youl from receiving a pardon following his recent life sentence verdict for insurrection-related charges.
The Democratic Party of Korea spearheaded the amendment, which effectively blocks any soon-to-come pardon for Yoon by stipulating that individuals convicted of insurrection and foreign exchange crimes cannot receive general or special pardons from the president unless there is a 3/5 majority agreement from the National Assembly members. This clause introduces a higher barrier for legislative pardons, signifying a shift in how the government may handle such controversial cases in the future.
Kim Yong-min, the Democratic Party's representative on the committee, discussed the implications of this amendment during a press conference, emphasizing its intention to impose strict regulations on pardons for serious offenses. This move reflects ongoing political tensions in South Korea regarding accountability and the consequences faced by top political figures, particularly as the nation grapples with the legacy of past administrations and the rule of law.
