Prosecutors seek two-year sentence for ex-Gyeonggi official over perjury allegations

Prosecutors have sought a two-year prison sentence and a 5 million won fine for Lee Hwa-young, the former deputy governor of Gyeonggi Province. Lee faces charges including perjury related to the alleged "salmon drinking party" and violations of the Political Funds Act.

The Suwon District Court's Criminal Division 11 heard the final arguments in Lee's public participation trial on Thursday. The prosecution requested the sentence, citing Lee's denial of the charges and his existing conviction for violating the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, which is considered a consecutive offense.

Lee is accused of providing false testimony in October 2024 during a parliamentary hearing concerning the impeachment of prosecutor Park Sang-yong. He allegedly claimed that a drinking session involving salmon and external food occurred at the prosecutor's office to fabricate testimony. He was indicted on these charges in February of the previous year.

Following the prosecution's final statement, Lee's defense team is scheduled to present their closing arguments. After Lee provides his final statement, the jury will deliberate before the court renders its final judgment. There is a possibility that the verdict may be announced after midnight, extending into the early hours of June 20.