Prosecutors indict Pastor Choi Jae-young without detention for 'illegal campaign allegations'

Pastor Choi Jae-young, who handed over a luxury bag to First Lady Kim Gun-hee, has been put on trial on charges of illegal campaigning.

The Yeoju branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office today (8th) indicted Pastor Choi, who is accused of violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation under the Information and Communication Network Act, without detention.

Pastor Choi is accused of campaigning illegally for former regional chairman Choi Jae-kwan, who ran in Yeoju and Yangpyeong districts in the 22nd general election with limited U.S. nationality.

Under the current law, foreigners who are not citizens of the Republic of Korea or who have been eligible for residence for three years cannot campaign.

In addition, Rep. Lee Chul-kyu, a member of the People's Power, is accused of defaming Rep. Lee by making remarks such as receiving preferential treatment from First Lady Kim Gun-hee at a lecture held in Yeoju City in March.

Along with Pastor Choi, the prosecution also indicted six people, including former regional chairman Choi, Yeoju City Council member, and Yangpyeong County Council member, without detention on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.