Court Asks To Arrest Lawmaker

On Monday the Seoul District Court formally requested the consent of the National Assembly to arrest Representative Jong In-bong of the opposition Grand National Party.

Mr. Jong, who is charged with election fraud, has refused to appear in court despite repeated subpoenas.

Judge Kim Yong-heon of the district court said that because Mr. Jong has ignored three subpoenas since April 20 he deemed it necessary to arrest the legislator.

Mr. Jong has appeared at just six out of 19 hearings of his case.

He was indicted without physical detention shortly before last year's general election for allegedly providing gifts to cameramen from various broadcasting networks.

Because the assembly is currently in session, the court is required to get the consent of the assembly before taking Mr. Jong into custody.

"There is substantial evidence that Mr. Jong committed a crime, and he is refusing to appear in court with no particular explanation," Mr. Kim said.

In order for Mr. Jong to be arrested, a majority of the lawmakers present when the request is made on the floor must approve the request.

by Kim Seung-hyun