[사설]Ex-president’s pardon, not subject to political bargaining

The judicial proceedings against the former President Park Geun-hye, who were handed over to trial on charges of state-run Nongdan, were completed in three years and nine months. On the 14th, the third division of the Supreme Court affirmed the court trial, sentenced to 20 years in prison and a fine of 18 billion won at the hearing of former President Park, who was charged with bribery under the Specific Crimes Weighted Penalty Act. Previously, former President Park was sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly intervening in the Saenuri Party nomination, and all were sentenced to 22 years in prison. If this is the case, former President Park could be released from prison at the age of 87 in 2039.

Along with former President Lee Myung-bak, who has already been sentenced for 17 years by the ruling on that day, special pardons against the two former presidents are raising their heads again. The Blue House put a cautious stance on the day, saying, “It is inappropriate to mention the pardon immediately after the court ruling.” Prior to this, it is an atmosphere that looks at the attention of public opinion, as mentioned by Choi Jae-sung, chief executive officer of the Blue House, saying, “I will decide from the perspective of the public.” The politicians are striving for gains and losses over the issue of amnesty, and are engaged in wasteful political battles. While the Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who first brought out the amnesty, was pushed back by the backlash from key supporters, while Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myeong belatedly expressed a dissenting opinion. It is only to think about what will happen to their presidential campaign. The ruling party said, “I can only review the pardon only if the former presidents reflect on it.” It is not appropriate to ask for’reflection’ as a prerequisite while discussing amnesty.

Amnesty is the president’s own authority, so it is a matter for President Moon Jae-in to make a decision at an appropriate time. The ex-president’s pardon cannot be subject to political bargaining. It shouldn’t be used as an election strategy ahead of the April election or the next March presidential election. It is also necessary to refrain from political ideas such as dividing the people by’selection pardon’ for the two former presidents. At the level of national integration, it is necessary to build a knot. It is desirable for President Moon to reveal his thoughts on whether or not to pardon to the public at an interview soon.

< 저작권자 ⓒ 서울경제, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지 >