In the trial on charges of insurrection against former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, the witness examination related to the National Intelligence Service Command was switched to a closed session.
On the morning of the 27th, the Criminal Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon) accepted the prosecution's request during the second hearing of former Minister Kim, former Commander of the Republic of Korea Military Intelligence Command Noh Sang-won, and former Military Police Chief of the 3rd Field Army Command Kim Yong-gun, deciding not to hold a public witness examination for Colonel Jeong Seong-wook of the Intelligence Command and others scheduled for that day.
Earlier, on the 25th, the prosecution had requested the court to conduct the witness examination of Colonel Jeong Seong-wook and others from the Intelligence Command in a closed session.
At the hearing, the prosecution stated, "Since the work of the Intelligence Command itself is classified, there is a risk that confidential information could be revealed during the witness examination process. The military requested a closed hearing, and we also judged it to be reasonable, so we applied to the court."
On the other hand, the defense attorneys argued, "Given that some investigation records have already been disclosed through media reports, suddenly requesting a closed session on the grounds of national security seems like an attempt to conceal the fact that the investigation itself was illegal."
After hearing both sides, the court took a recess of about five minutes and then decided to hold the trial in a closed session. The court stated, "The witness received a permit with the condition of confidentiality, so there is an issue regarding the witness's qualification. To avoid procedural problems, switching to a closed session is appropriate."
Additionally, the court said, "We will proceed with today's trial in a closed session, and if it is found not related to national security, the next session may be held publicly." Although the defense attorneys filed an objection, the court dismissed the objection and converted the trial to a closed session.
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