Noh Woong-rae's arrest rejected by the National Assembly

The National Assembly voted against a motion to allow the arrest of Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Noh Woong-rae, who faces bribery allegations Wednesday.

Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Noh Woong-rae takes the podium Wednesday as the National Assembly voted on a motion to allow his arrest over bribery allegations. [NEWS1]

The National Assembly voted against a motion to allow the arrest of Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Noh Woong-rae, who faces bribery allegations, Wednesday.

The vote was 161 against, 101 in favor and nine abstentions. The DP holds a parliamentary majority.

Noh is accused of having taken about 60 million won ($45,785) in illegal funds from a businessman around the time of the 2020 parliamentary elections.

Prosecutors suspect the four-term lawmaker representing Seoul's Mapo-A constituency of having taken bribes and violating the Political Funds Act and requested an arrest warrant for him earlier this month.

Noh has maintained his innocence.

Incumbent lawmakers have immunity from being arrested or detained while the National Assembly is in session. Parliamentary consent is required. A court can approve an arrest only with National Assembly approval.

Lawmakers vote on a motion to allow the arrest of Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Noh Woong-rae, who faces bribery allegations, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul Wednesday. [YONHAP]

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]