By Kang Hyun-kyung
The prosecution is likely to indict former spy agency chief Won Se-hoon without physical detention on charges of violating the Election Law by interfering in the Dec. 19 presidential election.
The former head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) allegedly directed his staffers to post online messages regarding Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the then main opposition Democratic United Party, and progressive politician Lee Jung-hee on Internet forums and discussion sites, with the intent of discrediting them.
Under the Election Law, public servants are prohibited from interfering in elections.
Under the direction of Won, NIS officials posted nearly 10,000 online messages against Moon and Lee regarding election issues to steer public opinion in favor of then ruling Saenuri Party’s candidate Park Geun-hye.
It said the spy agency also hired a political campaigner, who previously worked for the Saenuri Party, and dozens of part-time workers to team up with the NIS officials in executing the online campaign of maligning the victims.
The prosecution’s internal conclusion came nine days before the expiration of the statue of limitations regarding the allegation that Won attempted to influence the election results in favor of the ruling party.
In the meantime, Justice Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, told a session of the National Assembly on Monday that he has not influenced the prosecution’s investigation of the case.
Hwang reportedly has been opposed to the prosecution seeking to charge Won with violations of the Election Law.
“I’ve never intervened in the investigation and has no intention to do so,” Hwang said. Adding that “I’m not in a position to say whether it (Won’s charge) is a violation of the Election Law or not,” Hwang said.
“I believe the prosecution is investigating the case on a neutral position and will make an accurate judicial assessment.”