Representative Jang Kyung-tae attended a police investigation deliberation regarding allegations of sexual assault, with the complainant arguing his appearance is an attempt to sway investigators.
On the 19th, Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the Police Investigation Deliberation Committee amidst accusations of sexual assault. The complainant's legal representative voiced concerns, claiming that Jang's participation in the deliberation aims to intervene in the judgment of the police. Jang stated he possesses significant evidence disputing the claims against him and intends to present a diligent defense during the proceedings.
The Police Investigation Deliberation Committee serves as a venue for reviewing the fairness and completeness of police investigations when related parties disagree with the results. Although the investigation's outcomes remain pending, Jang urged the committee to evaluate the legality of the ongoing investigative processes. He reportedly requested additional measures, such as lie detector tests for the complainant, which sparked further contention about the appropriateness of such actions, particularly as they might lead to secondary victimization.
The deliberation committee consists of both internal police members and external experts, such as professors and lawyers. Following a procedural change in September of the previous year, this meeting marked the first instance where a suspect has been allowed to express their position directly at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s deliberation committee. This development underscores the ongoing tensions in this high-profile case, reflecting broader societal concerns regarding the handling of sexual assault allegations within the political realm.
