Jo Joo-bin (28, male), who was sentenced to 42 years in prison for producing and distributing sexually exploitative materials of minors on the Telegram chatroom 'Baksa-bang,' expressed his desire to have a 'citizen trial' for an additional sexual exploitation charge, but the court did not accept his request.
According to the legal community on the 23rd, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 (Chief Judge Lee Jung-min) decided on the 15th to exclude Jo Joo-bin's application for a citizen trial.
Jo Joo-bin's side filed an immediate appeal against the decision. If the higher court does not accept the immediate appeal, they can file a further appeal to the Supreme Court.
Jo Joo-bin was sentenced to 42 years in prison in October 2021 for distributing sexually exploitative materials of minors in the Telegram chatroom 'Baksa-bang,' and was additionally indicted last September on charges of sexually assaulting a minor in 2019.
Jo Joo-bin's defense acknowledges the production of obscene materials but denies the sexual assault charges, claiming that the sexual acts were consensual.
Previously, Jo Joo-bin's defense expressed a desire for a citizen trial regarding this case. A citizen trial is a system where randomly selected jurors aged 20 or older participate directly in criminal trials. The jurors' decisions have advisory effects on the court.
However, the victim's representative stated, "We suspect the reason for requesting a citizen trial is to silence the victim," adding, "Despite the difficult circumstances, the victim agreed to testify in court, but with Jo Joo-bin's side applying for a citizen trial, the victim is under psychological pressure," and expressed opposition, hoping the trial proceeds as a regular court trial.
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