May Organization: "The trial must not be led by the defendant Jeon Du-hwan"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The May 18 organizations raised their voices that defendant Jeon Du-hwan should not be dragged into the trial.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation and the three May 18 organizations (Democratic Merit Family Association, Democratic Movement Injured Association, Detained Injured Association) urged on the 27th through a statement that Jeon Du-hwan's trial should proceed clearly without delay.

The organizations stated, "The criminal trial of the massacre perpetrator Jeon Du-hwan is being held at the May 18 site in Gwangju," and "The appeal trial is also being delayed like the first trial."

They continued, "The criminal defamation trial concerning the late Father Cho Bi-o against Jeon Du-hwan's memoirs began with a complaint in 2017 and took 3 years and 7 months until the first trial verdict," adding, "In the second trial, two hearings were held without the defendant, and despite the court's warning of disadvantage, Jeon Du-hwan belatedly appeared, but he still consistently delays the trial and shifts responsibility."

Furthermore, "On the 30th, Min Jeong-gi, who declared himself the author of Jeon Du-hwan's memoirs, will appear as a witness in the trial," emphasizing, "Min Jeong-gi, the public relations secretary during Jeon Du-hwan's regime, claims that he completed the manuscript and that Jeon Du-hwan did not intervene in the revision process, which appears to be an attempt to dilute Jeon Du-hwan's responsibility and delay the trial."

Finally, they added, "Jeon Du-hwan, Min Jeong-gi, and their associates must not deceive the public and the judiciary of the Republic of Korea with continuous lies and distortions," and "Jeon Du-hwan should not miss the last chance to apologize and repent, and sincerely ask for forgiveness from the May 18 spirits, their bereaved families, and citizens."