'Elevator Damage' Arrest Warrant for Lee Gyusik, Representative of Seoul Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination, Dismissed

Law "No Fear of Escape"

The arrest warrant for Lee Gyusik, co-representative of the Seoul Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Seojangyeon), who is accused of damaging the elevator at Hyehwa Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 with a wheelchair, was dismissed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, Judge Kim Mikyung, in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, held a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review) for Lee, who is accused of special property damage, and dismissed the arrest warrant.

Judge Kim explained the reason for dismissal, stating, “Since the defendant disputes the intentionality and whether the object is dangerous, it is necessary to guarantee the right to defense. Also, considering that related evidence has mostly been secured and there is no concern of evidence tampering, that the defendant has a fixed residence, and has pledged to cooperate sincerely with the investigation, there is no risk of flight.”

Lee is accused of damaging the elevator with an electric wheelchair while protesting on the platform at Hyehwa Station on the 19th, a day before Disability Day.

At that time, the April 20 Joint Struggle Group for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination, consisting of disability organizations including the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination (Jeonjangyeon), held a protest urging legislation to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities.