Internal Turmoil Special Investigation, Requests Cooperation from Congressman Ahn Cheol-soo for Witness Investigation

The Internal Turmoil Special Investigation (Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok) requested cooperation from Congressman Ahn Cheol-soo, who announced his candidacy for the leadership of the People Power Party on the 29th.

In response, Congressman Ahn strongly rebuffed the request, calling it a "political atrocity aimed at disbanding the party," "reckless political investigation," and "suppression of the opposition."

The Special Investigation Team reportedly sought Ahn's cooperation while investigating the internal unrest and foreign exchange incident related to the emergency martial law declared on December 3.

Special Prosecutor Park Ji-young stated during an impromptu briefing at the Seoul High Prosecutor's Office that "Congressman Ahn was the only member of the ruling party at that time who supported the Internal Turmoil Special Investigation Act, so we requested his cooperation regarding the witness investigation."

The Special Investigation Team also released a text message sent to Congressman Ahn by Special Prosecutor Park Eok-su.

The message mentioned that the investigation involves accusations related to the attempted obstruction of a parliamentary vote and requested cooperation.

It particularly emphasized the need to investigate Congressman Ahn's involvement regarding the circumstances of many members of the People Power Party not participating in the vote on the proposal to lift the martial law, as well as the internal decision-making process of the party.

Countering Allegations of Political Utilization

Special Prosecutor Park explained, "The witness investigation is not mandatory, and whether or not he responds to the summons is left to his discretion."

He added, "Because Congressman Ahn was the only ruling party member who supported the Internal Turmoil Special Investigation Act, we thought he could explain the facts best and requested his cooperation for the witness investigation."

In response to Congressman Ahn's assertion that "the current special investigation has lost its essence and is trampling on democracy and the rule of law as a tool of the regime," Park refuted, saying, "We cannot accept that," urging not to politically exploit the special investigation.

Additionally, he remarked, "I believe it is inappropriate to express the request for witness cooperation for fact-finding as a political rampage and intention to disband the People Power Party, considering he is in a position to understand the details related to obstructions of voting better than anyone else."

He further added, "I cannot comprehend how requesting cooperation for the witness investigation to uncover the truth is connected to the claim that the special investigation has lost its essence."

Current Status of Investigation Regarding Parliamentary Vote Obstruction

Special Prosecutor Park indicated, "Requesting cooperation for the investigation via text message will not appear to be intended to disband the party."

He emphasized, "Congressman Ahn is the only member we contacted regarding the obstruction of the parliamentary vote, and there haven't been any messages sent to or summons requested from other members."

However, he explained, "Since he is a subject of investigation, it is natural for an investigation to be conducted, and we are in the process of related preliminary investigations," adding that "there are currently no specific plans for summons or interrogations of suspects."

Currently, it has been reported that Congressman Ahn has rejected one text message and two phone calls from the Special Investigation Team.

Regarding the anticipated backlash from other members during the future investigation process, Special Prosecutor Park replied, "I believe that members of the National Assembly of our country, as representatives of the people and public servants, will actively cooperate in uncovering the truth of historical events."

Meanwhile, during his candidacy announcement event for party leadership that afternoon, Congressman Ahn publicly disclosed the text message sent by the Special Investigation Team, stating, "It is utterly absurd. This is an attempt to label the entire People Power Party as a party of internal unrest. It is a political atrocity aimed at disbanding our party."

He also asserted, "It is evident that there is an intention to disband our party, as claimed by the Democratic Party leadership candidates."

Image sources: Special Prosecutor Park Ji-young / News1, Contents of the message sent by Special Prosecutor Park Eok-su to Congressman Ahn Cheol-soo / News1, Congressman Ahn Cheol-soo revealing the summons text message sent by the Internal Turmoil Special Investigation Team during a press conference related to the Special Investigation and his candidacy declaration in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 29th / News1, Office of the Internal Turmoil Special Investigation established at the Seoul High Prosecutor's Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul / News1