[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] A Jehovah's Witness who refused military service due to religious beliefs was acquitted on appeal, overturning the first trial's suspended prison sentence.
A (25 years old) was indicted for not enlisting after receiving a draft notice in November 2016, citing his religious beliefs. Since childhood, A had been exposed to the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses under his parents' influence and had participated in religious gatherings and volunteer activities.
The first trial court ruled that A could not be seen as refusing military service based on firm religious beliefs and sentenced him to four months in prison with a one-year suspension. The court cited A's past investigation for slapping a friend twice in August 2018 and a fine for causing a traffic accident while driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.091% in May 2015. Although A claimed to refuse military service based on a doctrine emphasizing love and peace, the court held that his belief was not deep or sincere.
However, the Criminal Division 1 of Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Jaegun Kim) announced today (the 11th) that it overturned the original verdict and acquitted A on appeal. The appellate court recognized A's belief as sincere, noting his participation in volunteer activities based on religious beliefs since childhood.
Furthermore, although the religion's doctrine prohibits violence and encourages moderation, the court stated that disputes arising in social life and circumstances such as driving with a hangover on a rainy early morning do not alone indicate that A's religious beliefs are not firm.
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