Former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun and Police Chief Jo Ji-ho, who were detained and indicted for involvement in the 12·3 Emergency Martial Law incident, pleaded with the court to release them on bail so they can stand trial.
On the 21st, the Criminal Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) held a bail hearing for former Minister Kim and Chief Jo, who were indicted on charges of engaging in important duties related to rebellion and abuse of authority.
Former Minister Kim did not attend the hearing due to health reasons. Kim’s defense attorney argued, “The act of martial law itself cannot be considered rebellion.” He also stated, “The prosecution has already collected 16,000 pages of evidence and submitted an evidence list, and investigations related to accomplices have been conducted for all cases, so there is no risk of evidence tampering.” He added, “His residence is clear, and there is no risk of flight.”
In response, the prosecution requested the court to dismiss the bail application, arguing that the charge of engaging in important duties related to rebellion is a serious crime and that the court has recognized the necessity of detention. The prosecution stated, “There have been multiple judicial decisions expressing concern over the defendant’s potential to tamper with evidence,” and “Investigations related to the president and associated cases are still ongoing.”
Following this, the bail hearing for Chief Jo proceeded. Chief Jo appeared in court wearing a gray padded jacket. Known to be suffering from blood cancer, Chief Jo’s defense requested bail to allow him to receive hospital treatment. His attorney said, “It is impossible for him to live under normal detention conditions,” and “He requires medical examinations such as blood tests and heart failure tests at least once a week.”
On the other hand, the prosecution argued, “There is still a significant risk of evidence tampering by the defendant,” stating, “He has previously destroyed key evidence, the ‘A4 document,’ and if released, he might collude with the police in their testimonies, which could jeopardize the investigation and trial.” They also said, “Even while detained, there are procedures in place for emergency medical examinations and hospitalization at external medical facilities,” and thus there is no reason to grant bail.
After the hearing, the court announced that it would decide and notify the parties of the bail approval within a week.
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