【충북 브레이크뉴스】임창용 기자=충북시민사회단체연대회의(이하 연대회의)가 충북도의회의 더불어민주당 박진희 의원에 대한 ‘30일 출석정지’ 징계를 두고 절차와 원칙을 무시한 마녀사냥식 징계라며 강하게 규탄하고 나섰다.

연대회의는 지난 27일 의결된 이번 징계가 윤리자문위원회의 의견을 무시한 채 다수당의 힘으로 강행된 정치적 탄압이라고 비판했다. 특히 징계 요구 시한을 넘긴 절차적 하자에도 불구하고 이를 묵살한 것은 의회 스스로 법과 원칙을 훼손한 것이라고 지적했다.

또 윤리특별위원회에서 ‘공개 사과’로 결정됐던 징계 수위가 본회의에서 갑자기 출석정지로 상향된 점과, 본회의를 비공개로 전환해 처리한 과정 역시 밀실 결정이라며 문제 삼았다.

연대회의는 이번 징계가 집행부 견제 역할을 해온 야당 의원에 대한 노골적인 정치 보복이며, 향후 소수 야당 의원들의 의정 활동을 위축시키고 지방의회의 민주주의를 후퇴시킬 것이라고 경고했다.

아울러 ‘불법 사설 보좌관’ 의혹에 대해서도 박 의원 측이 선관위 유권해석을 받은 적법한 채용이라고 밝힌 만큼, 사실을 왜곡한 비방이라고 주장했다.

연대회의는 이양섭 도의장의 공식 사과와 징계 철회, 국민의힘 소속 도의원들의 공정하고 투명한 의정 활동을 촉구하며 “내맘대로 운영되는 의회라면 해산이 답”이라고 강도 높게 비판했다.

아래는 위 기사를 '구글 번역'으로 번역한 영문 기사의 [전문]입니다. '구글번역'은 이해도 높이기를 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 영문 번역에 오류가 있을 수 있음을 전제로 합니다.

The following is [the full text] of the English article translated by 'Google Translate'. 'Google Translate' is working hard to improve understanding. It is assumed that there may be errors in the English translation.)

Chungbuk Civic Groups Condemn Disciplinary Action Against Provincial Council Member Park Jin-hee: "A Witch Hunt Ignoring Procedure"

Statement: "Political Retaliation Ignored the Ethics Advisory Committee's Recommendation to Dismiss"

The Chungbuk Civic Society Solidarity (hereinafter referred to as the Solidarity) strongly condemned the disciplinary action against Democratic Party member Park Jin-hee of the Chungbuk Provincial Council, citing it as a witch hunt that disregarded procedure and principles.

The Solidarity criticized the disciplinary action, passed on the 27th, as political oppression imposed by the majority party, disregarding the Ethics Advisory Committee's opinion. They specifically pointed out that the council itself violated the law and principles by ignoring the procedural flaw of the deadline for requesting disciplinary action.

Furthermore, they took issue with the fact that the disciplinary action, originally decided by the Ethics Special Committee as a "public apology," was suddenly upgraded to a suspension at the plenary session, and the plenary session was held behind closed doors, alleging it was a closed-door decision.

The Solidarity Conference warned that this disciplinary action constitutes blatant political retaliation against the opposition party lawmaker who has served as a check on the executive branch, and that it will further discourage the legislative activities of minority opposition lawmakers and undermine democracy in local councils.

Furthermore, the conference asserted that the allegations of "illegal private aides" are a distortion of the facts, as Rep. Park's side has stated that the hiring was legal and was conducted in accordance with the National Election Commission's authoritative interpretation.

The conference strongly criticized Lee Yang-seop, demanding an official apology and withdrawal of the disciplinary action, and for the People Power Party's provincial council members to ensure fair and transparent legislative activities. They also strongly criticized the council, stating, "If the council is being run as it pleases, dissolution is the answer."