From a friend in Korea, about the extremely troubling criminal investigation of @MorseHTan:
“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the treatment of Professor Morse Tan, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice.
Tomorrow, Professor Morse Tan is scheduled to appear before the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency as a criminal suspect in a defamation investigation concerning President Lee Jae-myung. He has also been placed under an exit ban and subjected to significant legal pressure.
News report:
https://t.co/K9LjXYTep0
Many Koreans are asking a fundamental question:
How long must a former American ambassador, who has raised his voice out of concern for South Korea and its future, endure this humiliation?
Furthermore, South Korea's own Ministry of Justice has reportedly stated that records concerning the allegations referenced by Ambassador Tan no longer exist because more than thirty years have passed.
If the underlying records no longer exist, then who is in a position to definitively determine that Ambassador Tan's statements were false? On what basis can such a conclusion be reached?
The office of the President is one that must humbly accept criticism and scrutiny, not only from its own citizens but also from the international community.
Yet a former U.S. ambassador is now facing criminal defamation allegations and is being summoned by police as a suspect because of statements he made regarding the President.
Many Koreans find this deeply troubling.
The very act of opening a criminal investigation over remarks concerning a sitting president is viewed by many as a serious setback for freedom of expression and democratic principles in South Korea. Many also believe that such actions are unprecedented in recent administrations and represent a dangerous precedent.
This issue goes far beyond one individual.
It raises serious questions about the state of democracy, freedom of expression, and South Korea's willingness to tolerate dissenting opinions and international scrutiny.
Professor Morse Tan has dedicated much of his career to justice, human rights, and the defense of freedom around the world. Seeing a former American ambassador treated in this manner by one of America's closest allies is heartbreaking and deeply embarrassing for many Korean citizens.
I sincerely hope that American policymakers, journalists, and opinion leaders will pay close attention to this case and ask difficult questions about what is happening in South Korea.
The international community should not ignore the fact that a former U.S. ambassador is being questioned by police as a criminal suspect in South Korea for expressing views about a sitting president.”
Thank you Ambassador for efforts to Korea tie to our Country.
I am delighted by the recent appointment of Ambassador Michelle Park Steel to Korea.
As you are Senior Ambassador to Korea, I would be grateful if you could contribute to strengthening the foundation of the U.S.-Korea relationship through your valuable advice and support her.
Im a President of the America & Korea Friendship National Council, I would also like to mention that my hometown is Eungbong-myeon, located near Yedang Reservoir in Yesan.
@AmbStephens