Jeon Gwang-hoon Arrest Warrant Dismissed... Supporters Cheer
Court: "Difficult to Recognize Grounds and Necessity for Detention"
Kim Moon-soo: "Thanks to Judge Song Kyung-ho for Courage"
On the morning of the 2nd, Jeon Gwang-hoon, pastor and president of the Christian Council of Korea and general representative of the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in (Beomtu-bon), who is accused of leading violent acts at a conservative group's rally in Gwanghwamun last October, appeared at the pre-trial detention hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu and responded to reporters' questions. /Photo by Yonhap News
The arrest warrant for Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation and general representative of the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in (Beomtu-bon), who is accused of leading an illegal rally in front of the Blue House, was dismissed on the 2nd. Meanwhile, some Liberty Korea Party lawmakers, including former Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo, expressed their opinions on this matter. /Photo by Kim Moon-soo (Facebook capture)
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Suwan] The arrest warrant for Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Christian Council of Korea and general representative of the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtu-bon), who is accused of leading an illegal rally in front of the Blue House, was dismissed on the 2nd. Some Liberty Korea Party lawmakers, including former Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo, who attended the rally with Pastor Jeon, shared their thoughts on the matter.
Former Governor Kim posted on his Facebook on the 3rd, saying, "Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon and Pastor Lee Eun-jae have both been released. Justice has been served," and added, "I thank Chief Judge Song Kyung-ho, who was in charge of the warrant, for his conscience and courage."
He continued, "Despite likely facing tremendous external pressure from President Moon Jae-in and Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo, he upheld his conscience. Long live the Republic of Korea!"
Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Min Kyung-wook also posted on his Facebook the same day, saying, "The arrest warrant for Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon was dismissed. It is fortunate."
Earlier, on the 2nd, Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Kim Jin-tae stated on his Facebook, "Before Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon went for the warrant hearing, he expressed disappointment towards the Liberty Korea Party," adding, "He said he was informed by the Hwang Kyo-ahn camp that they could no longer work together."
He then said, "I asked Representative Hwang directly if this was true, and he said it was completely unfounded. It is something that cannot happen logically. To say such things to someone facing the risk of arrest is unacceptable. I pray that the pastor clears up the misunderstanding and stays strong."
Chief Judge Song of the Seoul Central District Court held the warrant hearing for Pastor Jeon on the same day and dismissed the arrest warrant. Judge Song stated, "At this stage, it is difficult to recognize the grounds, necessity, or appropriateness of detention," and dismissed the warrant.
Judge Song explained the reason for dismissal, saying, "Considering the progress of the rally, the method and nature of the rally, the specific instructions and involvement of the suspect at the rally site related to the criminal charges, the progress of the investigation, and the extent of evidence collection." The arrest warrant for Pastor Lee, who was also charged with the same allegations, was dismissed for the same reasons.
Meanwhile, Pastor Jeon left the police station amid cheers from supporters after being notified of the warrant dismissal that night.
Facing the press, Pastor Jeon said regarding other charges such as violation of the Act on the Regulation of Solicitation of Donations, "How is giving offerings during worship a violation of the Solicitation of Donations Act?" He added, "Because I felt that despite all these issues, the Republic of Korea is still alive, I believe there is no problem with my patriotic activities."
He continued, "The Republic of Korea is not yet a People's Republic. I thought it was already, but I feel that Korea is still alive. The judiciary does not seem to be influenced by President Moon Jae-in. The police appear to be completely transparent, and the prosecution seems neutral."
Pastor Jeon is accused of leading violent acts during a rally held by Beomtu-bon and other conservative groups in Gwanghwamun on National Foundation Day last October (violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, etc.). He refused police summons several times but appeared for investigation on the 12th of last month.
In addition, Pastor Jeon is under investigation for charges including incitement of rebellion, illegal fundraising, and violations of the Political Funds Act.
The police are continuing their investigation by summoning related persons based on the accusations.
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