“There is no Change of Position; The President Will Not Attend the Impeachment Hearing”

In connection with the impeachment hearing against President Roh Moo-hyun, the defense team disclosed on April 6 that there would be no change in President Roh’s decision to not attend the trial. They added that they have decided to present a written opinion to the Constitutional Court which might prove the invalidity of the impeachment reasons on the list of the parliamentary impeachment committee.

“We maintain our position that it is desirable for the President not to attend the hearing,” said Moon Jae-in, a chief lawyer of the defense team. “We have no plan to demand the examination of evidence at this moment, except for presenting a written opinion.”

Concerning the Constitutional Court’s demand for the disclosure of the contents of the evidence examination, the impeachment committee on Wednesday will rewrite a document specifying a case number, a purpose giving proof, and the proper institutions about the criminal records relating to the corruption of the President’s aides.

Checking over written opinions of both sides, the Constitutional Court will decide to discuss the matter of whether they will adopt the evidence examination at the third hearing of this case, slated for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Sang-Rok Lee myzodan@donga.com