National Assembly consents to arrest of PPP lawmaker

The National Assembly on Thursday voted to give parliamentary consent to the prosecution’s request to arrest Rep. Ha Young-je of the ruling People Power Party on charges of receiving illicit political funds.

The motion was approved in a 160-99 vote in the National Assembly.

Ha has been under prosecution investigation on suspicion of receiving 70 million won ($53,602) from a South Gyeongsang provincial council candidate ahead of last June’s local elections.

According to law, sitting lawmakers are immune from arrest while the Assembly is in session. The prosecution must obtain parliamentary consent to detain lawmakers.