[Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik] The Jeonbuk City and County Public Officials Labor Union Council (hereinafter Jeongonghyeop, co-representatives Choi Jiseok and Kim Chunwon) held a press conference on the 5th in front of the Jeonju District Court, urging the judiciary for a just ruling ahead of the first trial of a publisher and journalist of an internet media outlet in Imsil County at the Jeonju District Court.
At the event, the two representatives of Jeongonghyeop said, “The media is like the air of society, but considering the enormous influence of the media, which has already established itself as the Fourth Estate, citizens demand high morality from media workers.”
They continued, “While the majority of journalists quietly perform their roles, we regret that the honor of the media has been tarnished due to some corrupt journalists in Imsil County.”
They added, “So far, the public officials’ labor unions of 14 cities and counties in Jeonbuk have encountered many cases where affiliated public officials were subjected to power abuse by some local journalists, so we do not see this incident as a problem unique to Imsil County. We also want to inform that many local government officials and regional media are watching this case with interest.”
Finally, they stated, “Through this opportunity, we hope that pseudo-corrupt journalists will be expelled, the honor of the media will be protected, local media will be properly established, and local government officials who silently dedicate themselves to local residents can work with conviction without being swayed by external pressure. We expect the court to make a correct judgment.”
This case began in 2020 when public officials affiliated with Imsil County Office were subjected to power abuse, and reports about the journalist were received by the police station. The Intelligent Crime Investigation Team of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency investigated, and the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office decided to prosecute and requested an arrest warrant from the Jeonju District Court.
Also, on the 31st of last month, the Jeonju District Court decided to prosecute the journalist without detention on charges of extortion against Imsil County Office and coercion against the Imsil County Public Officials Labor Union, and the first trial is currently pending.
Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik baekok@asiae.co.kr
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