Ruling party lawmakers say Lee Hwa-young does not qualify for parole

Lee Hwa-young is in prison after being convicted of bribery.

A lawyer has called for him to be released on parole, but several lawmakers say he does not meet the legal requirements.

They also say claims that his case was based on a fabricated prosecution need to be tested through legal procedures.

The debate matters because it has become a public dispute within the ruling party over how to handle his case.