Prosecution Appeals Acquittal of Jeon Gwang-hoon on 'Election Law Violation and Defamation of Moon' Charges

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution has filed an appeal against the second trial ruling that acquitted Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was indicted for conducting pre-election campaigning ahead of the general election and defaming President Moon Jae-in. As a result, Pastor Jeon will receive a final judgment from the Supreme Court.

According to the legal community on the 30th, the prosecution submitted an appeal to the Criminal Division 6-2 of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judge Jeong Chong-ryeong, Judges Jo Eun-rae and Kim Yong-ha), which acquitted Pastor Jeon of all charges including violations of the Public Official Election Act, just as in the first trial.

Pastor Jeon was indicted for pre-election campaigning by repeatedly urging support for right-wing conservative parties during prayer meetings at Gwanghwamun Square from early December 2019 to January last year, ahead of the 21st general election.

He was also charged with defaming President Moon by making statements such as "The president is a spy" and "The president attempted to communistize the Republic of Korea."

Both the first and second trial courts acquitted Pastor Jeon of these charges.