Lee Jae-myung on an overseas trip amid a situation where citizens' right to participate in politics is being deprived [Photo=Yonhap News]

Amid calls to block the vote counting at Jamsil due to a shortage of ballots in the 6.3 local elections, Lee Jae-myung, who pointed out that "shouldn't this be dealt with strictly?", has been accused of abuse of power and other charges.

The Committee for Measures for the People's Livelihoods (Kominwi) announced on the 16th that it had filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Lee Jae-myung for charges including abuse of power, coercion, and threats.

Lee Jae-myung, who is on a European tour during a period when citizens' right to participate in politics is being deprived, reportedly heard a report from the joint investigation headquarters of the prosecution and police regarding the 'shortage of ballots by the Election Commission' during a video conference with senior aides on the 14th (local time). He then stated, "Shouldn't acts of obstructing business by private inspection and exerting influence be dealt with strictly?"

At its regular press briefing on the 15th, Kominwi also filed a complaint against Park Jeong-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, who suggested 'strict response', on charges of abuse of power, threats, and illegal arrest.

Commissioner Park stated, "Peaceful expression of opinion is a citizen's right guaranteed by the constitution, so we are actively guaranteeing it. However, some participants are insulting the police or infringing on the rights of others, and illegal acts are being dealt with strictly."

He also commented on the case of inspecting child handball players, saying, "If you passively go along with illegal acts next to you without thinking, you could ruin your life if you become an accomplice."

Meanwhile, regarding this matter, Jang Dong-hyuk, interim leader of the People Power Party, criticized on the 16th from the Jamsil site, "The President ordered the forced dispersal while on an overseas trip, and the Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency threatened citizens and young people by mentioning ruining their lives."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee