Dear Beloved Family Members,
Today, the Special Prosecutor submitted an opinion to the court requesting a “13-year prison sentence” for True Mother. Upon hearing this news, many of you must have felt great shock and deep sorrow. However, it is at times like this that understanding the precise legal meaning of a prosecutor’s sentencing recommendation—and moving forward as one with unwavering faith—is more important than anything else.
What a “Sentencing Recommendation” (Gu-hyeong) Means
A “sentencing recommendation” (求刑) refers to a request made by the prosecution or a special prosecutor to the court before sentencing in a criminal trial. It is based on the premise that the defendant is guilty, and states the sentence they believe is appropriate. Therefore, a sentencing recommendation is merely the prosecution or special prosecutor, as one party to the case, presenting their own opinion to the court: “If all the public charges are recognized as guilty, this level of punishment is appropriate.”
In this process, even if the defense counsel presents persuasive rebuttals and arguments for innocence against the charges, the prosecution or special prosecutor states their final opinion and recommends a corresponding sentence based on the premise that all charges they brought forward are guilty. In other words, a sentencing recommendation is not a procedure that adjusts the sentence by reflecting the defense’s arguments; rather, it is the final legal opinion presented to the court under the assumption that all public charges brought by the special prosecutor are found guilty.
Particularly because special prosecutors often handle cases with high social interest and impact, they frequently recommend severe sentences to emphasize the gravity and public nature of the case. In this case as well, the special prosecutor recommended a 13-year prison sentence based on the premise that all charges listed in the indictment are found guilty.
A Recommendation is Not a Final Judgment
However, a sentencing recommendation is not a verdict. It has no legally binding effect on the court. In our nation’s criminal justice system, independent of the prosecution or special prosecutor’s recommendation, the court comprehensively examines the evidence and legal principles for each charge, the defense’s arguments, sentencing guidelines, and mitigating circumstances to make an independent judgment on guilt and the final sentence.
Therefore, this “13-year prison sentence recommendation” by the special prosecutor is also merely an opinion submitted to the court by one party involved, and it does not mean a final verdict.
Moving forward, the court will comprehensively review the special prosecutor’s opinion on guilt and sentencing alongside the defense team’s arguments of innocence, based on all submitted evidence and pleadings, before rendering an independent judgment. Our family members must join forces with the defense team and make every possible effort until the very last moment for True Mother’s liberation.
Our Attitude and the Way Forward
Respected Family Members,
What we need most right now is to accurately understand the meaning of the special prosecutor’s recommendation and to remain unshaken by unverified rumors or emotions.
Now, more than ever, is the time to offer greater Jeongseong (devotion) and prayers with one heart and one mind for True Mother’s liberation and release. What True Mother desires most is for our community to maintain our dignity as children of Heavenly Parent and to remain united until the very end.
In the court of history, it is not just True Mother standing alone; our entire community stands there together. History and society will watch to see with what faith and attitude we will overcome this crisis.
Let us move forward together, showing ourselves to be true children of Heavenly Parent with unwavering faith.
We pray that Heavenly Parent’s great grace will be with the families and lives of all our family members.
Thank you.
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
We love you True Mother, and we are praying and uniting with you on this difficult time for all of us, the Unification Church. We hope that Our Heavenly Parents will liberate you as soon as possible from all those charges. As well we are hoping that the Country of South Korea, will recognize your hard work that you had done and contribute to Korea and the whole world. With love Your True Son and Daughter from around the world.
I completely agree. It’s really important to focus on unity and support during challenging times like these.