Supreme Court Judges' Meeting: "Attacks on Courts Are Extremely Serious Crimes" (Comprehensive)

Unprecedented Public Statement by Supreme Court Justices

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is moving to attend the Supreme Court meeting to discuss measures to resolve the Seoul Western District Court intrusion and illegal occupation incident at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The Supreme Court justices expressed concern on the 19th over the collective intrusion, destruction, and intimidation acts committed by supporters of President Yoon Seok-yeol at the Seoul Western District Court, calling them "extremely serious criminal acts."

At a meeting held on the morning of the 20th, presided over by Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, all 12 sitting Supreme Court justices, including Cheon Dae-yeop, Director of the Court Administration Office, discussed the disturbance at the Western District Court and subsequently issued this statement.

It is highly unusual for the Supreme Court justices to publicly express their position.

The Supreme Court justices stated, "The violent unauthorized intrusion, property damage, and intimidation of judges that occurred collectively at the Seoul Western District Court are extremely serious criminal acts that threaten the foundation of the constitutional order based on democracy and the rule of law. Attacking the court by resorting to violent means without following lawful procedures due to dissatisfaction with trial outcomes is a direct denial of the rule of law."

They continued, "This is an unprecedented event in our constitutional history and an attempt to directly undermine the judiciary's function, which can never be tolerated. It can paralyze not only the judiciary but also the normal functioning of the entire state and ultimately cause serious obstacles to the protection of citizens' fundamental rights," expressing their concerns.

The Supreme Court justices added, "We will cooperate with the police and related agencies to strengthen security at the courthouse and take all possible measures to ensure that judges and court officials can safely perform their duties without being shaken by any external pressure. We also ask the public to trust the judiciary's role in fair trials and justice and to respect its judgments."