Prosecutors Seek Fine for Jeon Jang-yeon Representative Over Hundreds of Stickers on Platform

The prosecution has requested fines for three officials of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon) who were indicted for placing hundreds of stickers on the floor of a subway station platform.

Park Kyung-seok, the representative of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), and related officials held a press conference on the morning of the 1st in front of the Seoul Western District Court before attending the trial related to the charge of joint property damage, including sticker attachment at Samgakji Station held that day.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the first trial held on the 1st at the Seoul Western District Court before Judge Ji Chung-hyun of Criminal Division 6, the prosecution requested a fine of 5 million won for Park Kyung-seok, co-executive director of Jeonjangyeon, who was charged with joint property damage under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, and fines of 2 million won each for Kwon Dal-ju, co-executive director, and Moon Ae-rin, representative of the Seoul Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.

In response, Park’s lawyer argued, "For property damage to be established, the utility of the platform must be impaired by the sticker placement, but the platform is a passageway for citizens, and even if stickers are attached, it does not obstruct passage," asserting innocence.

He added, "Even if the elements of the offense are met, the defendants’ actions were a press conference and message delivery regarding the reality where the human rights of persons with disabilities are not guaranteed," emphasizing that "freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are constitutionally protected fundamental rights."

They are accused of damaging public facilities by placing hundreds of stickers demanding budgets for disability rights and mobility on the floor and walls of the platform and spraying lacquer spray during a press conference at Samgakji Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 on February 13 last year.

The sentencing date is set for the 1st of next month.