An appeals court Monday convicted the mayor of Daejeon of pre-electioneering and taking illegal political funds during a local election last year in violation of the Election Law.
Upholding a lower court ruling, the Daejeon High Court sentenced Kwon Sun-taik, mayor of Daejeon, South Chungcheong Province, to eight months in prison, but suspended the sentence for two years.
Kwon will lose his post if convicted by the Supreme Court.
He was indicted for engaging in forum activities since 2012, which was deemed an election campaign prior to the legitimate election period.
The activities included visiting traditional markets and local enterprises, as well as holding conferences with college students.
The court said that Kwon established the forum to develop his image and recognition and thus, about 159 million won ($138,092) of the collected membership fees is also considered illegal political funds.
“There is room for logical debate on whether forum activities should be regarded as pre-electioneering,” said an aide from Kwon’s office, adding that Kwon would appeal to the Supreme Court. (Yonhap)
