Chinese authorities regarding Son Jun-ho (31), a midfielder from the Korean national team and Chinese professional soccer player Shandong Taishan, who has been arrested by Chinese public security on charges of ‘bribing non-state agents (public officials)’ and has been detained for over six months. “We are handling the case in accordance with the law,” he said. This is a response to the request by Korean national soccer team coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the release of Son Jun-ho.
On the 23rd, when asked about Director Klinsmann’s position on Director Klinsmann’s request for the release of Son Jun-ho at a regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maoning said, “The person involved (Son Jun-ho) was arrested in accordance with the law on the charge of bribery of non-state agents,” and “There are no specific developments in the case.” He replied, “Please check (the situation) with the responsible department in China.”
He went on to say, “China is a country ruled by law,” adding, “We handle cases strictly in accordance with the law, and we also guarantee the various legitimate rights and interests of the parties in accordance with the law.”
Previously, Coach Klinsmann said in an interview conducted on his return to Korea through Incheon International Airport after winning the match against China in the second qualifying round of the FIFA North, Central and American World Cup, “I hope that good news about Son Jun-ho will come like a Christmas gift. “As the exact charges have not yet been revealed, I hope the Chinese government will also step in and return Son Jun-ho to his family as soon as possible,” he said.
On May 12, Son Jun-ho was detained (temporarily detained) while trying to return from Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China, and has been under investigation by the Chaoyang Public Security Bureau in Liaoning Province. Chinese public security switched to a detention (arrest) investigation when the detention period for criminal Son Jun-ho expired last June.
It has been reported that Son Jun-ho is likely to be under investigation in connection with a match-fixing case involving former Shandong Taishan coach, but the specific charges have not been confirmed.
The Chinese government is not sharing Son Jun-ho’s situation with the Korean government, saying it is a ‘matter under investigation’, but Korean diplomatic authorities said they are checking whether Son Jun-ho’s human rights are violated or his health condition.
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.