Concerns Over Same Venue for Crime and Trial
Next Hearing Scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 24th
At the first trial for those involved in the Seoul Western District Court disturbance incident, some defendants, including a man in his 50s accused of damaging the court entrance shutter, denied the charges.
On the 10th, when the first trial of the 'Seobu District Court Disturbance Incident' was held, a member of a conservative group in Mapo-gu, Seoul, is seen holding up the Taegeukgi flag toward the escort bus at the Seoul Western District Court. Photo by Yonhap News
The 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Kim Woohyun, held a hearing at 2:30 p.m. on March 10 for nine individuals indicted on charges including special trespassing on a building and special damage to public property.
These individuals are accused of breaking into the court premises and damaging court property after an arrest warrant was issued for President Yoon Suk-yeol in the early hours of January 19. One defendant is also accused of attempting, but failing, to set fire to the court using a lighter and oil.
During the trial, four out of the nine defendants completely denied the charges, while two admitted to all charges.
The attorney for Mr. Lee, who is accused of entering up to the 7th floor of the court and kicking open and searching the judge's office, denied the charges. The attorney stated, "The requirements for 'special' under the charge of special trespassing on a building are not met, so we cannot accept the charge," adding, "We will submit a written statement later regarding whether we admit or deny the charges."
Another defendant, Mr. Park's attorney, also said, "We deny the charges," explaining, "We have not had enough time to thoroughly review the prosecution's investigation records, so we need to check them before giving a precise answer."
There was also a defendant who admitted only part of the prosecution's charges. The attorney for Mr. Choi stated, "Very few people actually opened the back door of the court at the time, and there were also minor participants, so applying the charges uniformly is an unfounded narrative by the prosecution. Mr. Choi did not participate in forcibly opening the back door at all." While Mr. Choi admitted to the charge of special damage to public property, he denied the charges of special trespassing on a building and obstruction of official duties.
Mr. Lee, who is accused of breaking a window with a fire extinguisher after entering the court premises, admitted to charges of special obstruction of official duties and special damage to public property, but denied the charge of special trespassing on a building.
In addition, Mr. Kang's attorney stated, "We have not reviewed the prosecution's investigation records," and did not clarify whether they admit or deny the charges, saying a written statement would be submitted later.
On the other hand, a teenage male defendant who attempted but failed to set fire to the court admitted to all charges, as did Mr. Choi, who is charged with special trespassing on a building and related offenses.
Meanwhile, the defense team argued that it would be unfair for the Seoul Western District Court, which was directly involved in the disturbance, to try the defendants, and announced their intention to request a transfer of jurisdiction to the Seoul High Court. In response, the court stated, "Our panel was not working at the Seoul Western District Court at the time of the incident and was formed after the event. Please take this into consideration," adding, "The Seoul High Court will decide on the jurisdiction transfer request."
On this day, the first trial was held for 23 out of a total of 63 individuals related to the Seoul Western District Court disturbance. The next hearing for these defendants is scheduled for March 24 at 10 a.m., two weeks later.
At the earlier trial held from 10 a.m., six out of 14 defendants completely denied the charges, while five admitted to them. After the morning session, attorney Lee Hasang told reporters, "It has been confirmed that the arrest and detention of President Yoon were illegal. It is natural for citizens to resist illegal acts by state institutions. I am confident of an acquittal," adding, "Since there is no risk of evidence destruction or flight, we requested the principle of trial without detention from the judge."
Of the remaining 40 defendants, 24 are scheduled for their first trial on March 17, and 16 on March 19.
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