Director of Court Administration:
"Support for Personnel Reinforcement and Facility Restoration...
Measures for Psychological Healing to Be Prepared"
On the 18th, when the pre-arrest interrogation of President Yoon Seok-yeol is taking place, supporters of President Yoon are gathering near the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, holding a rally. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
Regarding the illegal intrusion and riot at the Seoul Western District Court building by supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court justices on the morning of the 20th.
On the 19th, Cheon Dae-yeop, Director of the Court Administration Office under the Supreme Court, announced through the court’s internal network, “The Chief Justice, recognizing the gravity of this matter, decided to convene an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court justices tomorrow (the 20th) to share the situation and gather wisdom for restoring the rule of law by normalizing court functions and preventing recurrence of similar incidents.”
He added, “The Court Administration Office will spare no effort in supporting the Seoul Western District Court by reinforcing necessary personnel and restoring facilities so that it can return to normal as soon as possible,” and said, “We will also prepare psychological healing measures for the members of the Western District Court who are suffering mental shock and difficulties due to this incident.”
Supporters of President Yoon, upon hearing the news of the issuance of an arrest warrant for the president in the early morning of that day, broke the main gate and glass windows of the Seoul Western District Court, stormed inside, and damaged various equipment and facilities before being largely arrested by police suppression.
Director Cheon stated, “The scene of the duty room at the Western District Court, which has been reduced to ruins, is not simply damage to the building but a complete denial and serious infringement of the foundation of the rule of law that supports the nation and society, as well as judicial authority itself,” and said, “Thinking of not only the members of the Western District Court but also all court members and citizens who are shocked by the collapse of the rule of law, my heart is infinitely sorrowful.”
He emphasized, “Nevertheless, at times like this, all court members must fulfill their duties unwaveringly as faithful guardians of the rule of law,” and added, “The composed response and attitude of the Western District Court members, who prevented greater damage through wise handling, as well as the acting court chief and related personnel, exemplify this.”
He also mentioned visiting the National Police Agency and meeting with Acting Commissioner Lee Ho-young, saying, “The Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency expressed apologies for the occurrence of such an incident and promised strict investigation of those involved, as well as maximum support to ensure the safety of the court building, protection of judges, and a secure environment where members of the judiciary can work with peace of mind.”
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