Busan Police Withhold Identity of Suspect in Stabbing of Opposition Leader

Busan: In a recent development, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency decided not to reveal the identity of the individual suspected in the stabbing of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, citing that the case does not fulfill the legal requirements for disclosure.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision was made by the police agency’s identity disclosure committee regarding the 67-year-old suspect, identified only by his family name Kim. Kim was formally arrested last Thursday on attempted murder charges following the stabbing of Lee, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), in Busan with a camping knife.

The current law allows for the public disclosure of suspects in violent crimes when there is substantial evidence and it serves the public interest and right to know. However, the seven-member disclosure committee voted against releasing Kim’s identity and other personal details, determining that the case did not meet the necessary conditions for disclosure.

The attack resulted in Lee being hospitalized and undergoing surgery to repair a major vein in his neck. Lee is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and will continue his recovery at home.

Police are planning to refer the suspect to the prosecution on Wednesday for further investigation and a potential indictment.

Additionally, police officials stated that a man in his 70s, initially detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting the suspect, has been released. The man was under emergency detention for allegedly assisting Kim, despite knowing about the attack plan. He had agreed to mail an “excuse letter” written by Kim, explaining the motive and his political beliefs, to an unspecified location.

The decision to release this individual was based on his minor involvement in the crime, his advanced age, and the lack of risk of him destroying evidence or fleeing. The police believe that he was not directly involved in the stabbing attack.