Statement Issued on the 22nd Regarding the Seoul Western District Court Incident
The National Conference of Judges, a judicial assembly of court judges, issued a statement regarding the collective assault on the Seoul Western District Court by supporters of President Yoon Seok-yeol that occurred in the early hours of the 19th. The statement declared that “collectively and violently attacking the court is an act that infringes upon the functions of the judiciary and undermines the foundation of the constitutional order, and can never be tolerated.” It also emphasized that “judges nationwide will fulfill their responsibilities entrusted by the Constitution and laws by conducting fair trials without wavering in the face of any threats.”
This position was announced after an extraordinary meeting convened that day, where it was approved by a majority vote. Out of 124 judge representatives, 81 voted, with 48 in favor and 33 against, passing the motion. Earlier on the 19th, when the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon, extreme supporters opposing this forcibly entered the courthouse, damaging windows and property, and went searching for the judge who issued the warrant, causing a collective riot.
The police arrested 90 individuals who caused disturbances at the Seoul Western District Court and other locations including the Constitutional Court. As of that day, a total of 58 people had been detained. The National Conference of Judges is a body composed of representative judges elected from courts at various levels, which expresses opinions or makes recommendations regarding judicial administration and judicial independence. When necessary, it can also request explanations and submission of materials from those responsible for judicial administration.
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