Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon Appears in Court Today (24th) on Election Law Violation Charges
Weekend Rally Held Despite COVID-19 Spread Concerns
Jongno-gu Files Complaint Against Pastor Jeon for Infectious Disease Control Act Violation
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the representative chairman of the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), will undergo a detention warrant hearing on the 24th. According to CCK, Pastor Jeon is scheduled to attend the pre-arrest interrogation (warrant substantive examination) for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act at 10:30 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court.
Pastor Jeon is suspected of conducting preliminary election campaigning at a rally held by the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in (Beomtu-bon) in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the 25th of last month.
At that time, Pastor Jeon urged support for the Liberty Unification Party by saying, "To win on April 15 (general election), let's appoint Kim Moon-soo (leader of the Liberty Unification Party) as the commander."
On the previous day (23rd), despite concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Pastor Jeon mentioned the Shincheonji Daegu Church during a rally in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, which he insisted on holding.
He criticized, "Now, because of Shincheonji in Daegu, all worship services in Daegu city churches have been banned," and added, "Daegu pastors, the government tells you not to hold worship services, and you comply? Are you pastors or are you out of your mind?"
He also claimed, "You came to the rally overcoming the oppression of Moon Jae-in and Park Won-soon because the Lord is praying for you," and "Those of you who came to worship in Gwanghwamun are true Christians. If you participate in worship, the fire of the Holy Spirit will fall, and even the diseases you had will be cured."
He continued, "Is there anyone among you infected with the virus? Then come to worship next week. The Lord will heal you all," and said, "Even if He doesn't heal you, it's okay. Our destination is heaven, and we are those who have overcome death."
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon is urging the suspension of the rally held on the afternoon of the 22nd at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, organized by the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in. Photo by Yonhap News.
Beomtu-bon also held a rally in Gwanghwamun on Saturday the 22nd. Participants waved placards with slogans such as "Is outdoors dangerous or indoors dangerous? Stop political oppression."
Pastor Jeon claimed, "They are banning rallies using the virus as an excuse to interfere with peaceful assemblies," and said, "Even if I come here and get infected with the virus and lose my life, I will protect the Republic of Korea, our homeland."
Around 1:40 p.m., Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon appeared at Gwanghwamun Square and urged the dispersal of the rally through the broadcast vehicle's speaker, saying, "Please stop the rally and return home quickly," and "It could harm not only your safety but also the safety and health of your neighbors," but participants jeered and cursed at the vehicle.
Immediately after the rally ended that day, Jongno District Office filed a complaint against Pastor Jeon with the police. Seoul City plans to identify each participant, including Pastor Jeon, by today (24th) and file charges for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
Meanwhile, Pastor Jeon is under investigation not only for violating election laws but also for charges including incitement of rebellion, spreading false information, violation of the Act on the Regulation of Solicitation and Collection of Donations, violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, and obstruction of special official duties.
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