The prosecution has decided to halt its preliminary investigation the "oilfield project" activities of Uri Party Assemblyman Lee Kwang Jae. According to the prosecution's preliminary results there is reason to believe he was in many ways involved in connecting Jeon Dae Wol and Heo Mun Seok, but officials there say they did not find enough evidence to prosecute him. Heo, a key figure, has taken flight overseas, so, being able to proceed with the investigation, prosecutors say they have stopped their inquiry for a while.
Prosecutors also say there is no evidence that Cheong Wa Dae or Lee Gi Myeong, who was the head of president Roh Moo Hyun's supporters' organization, was actively involved. They have tentatively concluded that Kim Se Ho, then head of Korea National Railroad, and officials there hastily pursued the project under the belief that they would have Lee Kwang Jae's support. It is still unknown why they believed that to be the case. The case has turned the world inside out for more than two months, and the results of the investigation are discouraging.
It is true that with Heo hiding overseas the investigation was expected to have limitations. That again brings up the issue of how the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) was negligent by not keeping him from leaving the country. Whatever the reason, it is dishonorable that the prosecution was unable to get to the whole truth. Its honor must be restored with a thorough supplementary investigation as soon as Heo can be arrested.
It is because key inside influentials were involved that there is so much interest in this case. We hope that everything will be revealed through a supplementary investigation or by an independent prosecutor. Even if it is determined that the actions of the big names are not prosecutable, that does not excuse their political and moral flaws. If they had behaved without ambiguity no one would have believed that influential individuals were behind the project. President Roh Moo Hyun needs to draw clear lines for his people so that they do never engage in activities for which they have no authority.
The Hankyoreh, 3 June 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Inadequate Oilfield Investigation |
