Despite Denied Right to Have Associate Present, Attorneys Remain in Gallery and Speak Out
Court Issues Advance Warning: "First Warning, Second Expulsion, Third Detention"
The court presiding over the insurrection case involving former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo sentenced the defense attorneys representing former Minister of National Defense Kim Yonghyun to detention, citing a violation of courtroom order. Detention is a measure in which a person who disrupts courtroom order is confined to a prison or detention center for a certain period by order of the presiding judge.
The 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jinkwan) held a continued trial on November 19 regarding charges against former Prime Minister Han, including aiding and abetting the leader of an insurrection. On this day, former Minister Kim appeared as a witness in the afternoon and requested the right to have a trusted associate present, but the court denied the request, stating that the requirements were not met.
On June 25, when the detention warrant hearing for former Minister of National Defense Kim Yonghyun was held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Lee Hasang, the lawyer representing former Minister Kim (second from left), is addressing the press. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
However, Lee Hasang and Kwon Woohyun, the attorneys representing former Minister Kim, refused to leave the gallery and attempted to speak.
In response, the court ordered, "Who are you, and why are you here? Only those with the right to observe may be present in this courtroom. Leave at once." When Attorney Lee asked, "Are you ordering us to leave?" the court reiterated, "You will be detained. Please leave immediately."
When Attorney Lee ultimately refused to leave, the court declared, "You will be detained. You will be held in a detention facility." Attorney Lee protested, calling it "an abuse of authority," as he was forcibly removed, while Attorney Kwon also protested, saying, "Is this how the judiciary of the Republic of Korea operates?" before being expelled from the courtroom.
Subsequently, the court held a separate detention hearing for the two attorneys and sentenced each of them to 15 days of detention. They are scheduled to be held at the Seoul Detention Center.
Earlier in the morning, the court had announced, "The court is responsible for maintaining order," and warned, "Upon violation, the first step will be a warning, the second, expulsion, and the third, detention through arrest."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
