Civic Groups Angered by Indiscreet Amnesty
Civil organizations Thursday criticized President Kim Dae-jung en masse for his widely-rumored decision to pardon Kim Hyon-chol, second son of former President Kim Young-sam, on Independence Day, August 15.The groups say that it is an absurd deal aimed at political gain, and made despite the fact that convict Kim still has not shown his repentance for his crimes, such as collecting illicit money from businessmen using his father's power.
People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) said in its announcement, 'Kim Hyon-chol was the symbol of authoritative corruption and if the government releases and reinstates him without proper occasion, President Kim will be blamed by the general public.'
A source from the Korean People's Alliance for Social Reformation stated, 'We are receiving lots of protest calls. If his rehabilitation comes as part of a political strategy to appease former president Kim, there is no justice.'
Bong Hwa-shik:trojans@joongang.co.kr
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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