The first trial of Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, regarding violations of the Political Fund Law is nearing its conclusion. The special investigation team led by Min Jung-ki, which is probing allegations related to Kim Geon-hee, has identified Han as the 'key figure' in the church-state collusion scandal, raising interest in the severity of the prosecution's recommendations.
According to legal sources on July 6, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Woo In-seong, will hold a ruling hearing on July 10 for Han and Jung Won-joo, the former chief of staff, on charges of violating the Political Fund Law and the Anti-Bribery Act. The court is expected to conclude the proceedings after hearing the prosecution's final opinion and recommendations, as well as the defense's closing arguments.
Han is accused of conspiring with Yoon Young-ho, the former head of the Unification Church, and Jung to deliver 100 million won in cash to Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the National Assembly, in January 2022. Additionally, she faces charges of providing 144 million won in church funds to members of the National Assembly through a method known as 'split donations' between April and July 2022. The prosecution's indictment also details her involvement in delivering expensive gifts, including a necklace and a Chanel bag, to Kim Geon-hee through Jeon Seong-bae, a figure associated with the church.
The main point of contention is whether Han directly instructed or approved these actions. The prosecution believes that Han was the final authority on political contacts, the provision of political funds, and the delivery of gifts to Kim. They have built their case based on Yoon's testimony, seized materials, witness statements from church officials, and accounting records to demonstrate a conspiracy between Han and her staff.
In contrast, Han's defense argues that Yoon acted independently. They maintain that Han did not receive specific reports or approve any illegal activities, asserting that there is insufficient objective evidence to prove direct instructions from her. In previous court sessions, Han stated, "I never gave 100 million won to Kwon Seong-dong" and "I never gifted anything to Kim Geon-hee," while accusing Yoon of fabricating many falsehoods.
The credibility of Yoon's testimony is expected to be a critical factor in the court's decision following the ruling. Yoon testified in court that there were directives from Han, stating that major issues regarding personnel and finances within the Unification Church were reported to and decided by the leader. Han countered this during their face-to-face encounter in court, asking, "Did I instruct any illegal activities?"
Previously, the trial court in Yoon's case mentioned Han's approval as a variable. In January, the same court sentenced Yoon to one year and two months in prison, concluding that he executed the crimes after receiving Han's approval. However, since this pertains to Yoon's case, it cannot be definitively assumed that the same conclusion will apply to Han's case.
The prosecution is expected to seek a heavier sentence for Han than for Yoon. The prosecution recommended four years for Yoon, who received a sentence of one year and two months. In Han's case, the prosecution is likely to emphasize her role as the highest decision-maker and the multiple charges of violating the Political Fund Law, the Anti-Bribery Act, embezzlement, and obstruction of evidence. Some legal experts suggest the possibility of a double-digit sentence ranging from eight to twelve years.
The actual sentence could vary significantly depending on the extent of the acknowledged conspiracy. If the court determines that Han approved both the provision of political funds and the delivery of bribes, the likelihood of a prison sentence increases. If all charges are upheld, a sentence of four to seven years could be possible. Conversely, if the court finds insufficient objective evidence to support Yoon's testimony, it may lead to partial acquittals or a sentence of two to four years, with the possibility of probation.
Han is currently undergoing trial while under a suspension of execution due to health issues. The court recently extended this suspension until the end of the month. As the Supreme Court of Japan recently confirmed the dissolution order for the Unification Church and investigations into the church's political donations continue domestically, the outcome of Han's trial is expected to be a pivotal moment in determining the legal responsibilities surrounding the church-state collusion allegations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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