Pastor Kong Hee Filing an Appeal Against His 8-Year Jail Sentence

Senior pastor and founder of Singapore's megachurch City Harvest Church Kong Hee reveals on Facebook on Friday (Nov 27) that he will be filing an appeal against his conviction and 8-year jail sentence.  Kong was one of six City Harvest leaders in the recent trial, where he was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for criminal breach of trust. The six were found guilty of misappropriating S$50 million of church funds. Kong had apparently channelled the money to be used to develop his wife, Sun Ho's, music career in the US.   

Writing on Facebook, Kong explains: "After the sentencing last Friday, I have had a week to carefully consider the sentence and have also studied the Court's grounds of conviction together with my lawyers. Whilst I respect the Court's decision, there are points which appear to be erroneous and warrant appeal. I will therefore be preparing to file an appeal against both my conviction and sentence. Earlier today, I was informed that the Prosecution has also filed an appeal against the sentence imposed by the Court. My lawyers will also address the Prosecution's appeal at the appropriate time. I sincerely need your prayers during this process for a favorable outcome. The road ahead is long and arduous, but God's grace is sufficient for me. I love and appreciate you so much. Thank you for loving me and my family."

Further, Kong compares his own case with that of the Apostle Paul's. Just as Paul suffered for the Gospel and made his appeal against Caesar when he was persecuted, Kong feels justified in his appeal too.  Read the full statement here: https://goo.gl/MgSyRj

Earlier on Friday, the prosecution filed an appeal against the sentences for the six people convicted, which the prosecution called "manifestly inadequate".

"My lawyers will also address the prosecution's appeal at the appropriate time," writes Kong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags : kong hee kong hee convicted kong hee news kong hee jail sentence sun ho city harvest church