The prosecution has appealed the appellate court's acquittal of a teacher, who had previously been convicted in the first trial for repeatedly participating in "rallies condemning the president" while holding public servant status.
According to the legal community on December 3, the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office submitted a notice of appeal to the Criminal Division 4 of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Bae Eunchang), which heard the case of Baek Geumnyeol (age 53) on charges of violating the National Public Service Act.
On November 26, the appellate court overturned the original sentence of eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and a one-year suspension of qualifications for Baek, and instead acquitted him.
The appellate court stated, "Criticism directed at the president does not automatically constitute criticism of the president's political party or support for the opposition party, that is, a political act."
In contrast, the first trial court determined that "given the fact that a member of the National Assembly from the opposition party attended the rally, the political nature is clear," and found most of the charges to be proven.
Baek, who was a middle school teacher in Gwangju, was indicted on charges of repeatedly attending rallies held in Seoul, Gwangju, and other locations in 2022, and participating in political demonstrations supporting or opposing specific political parties.
Baek, who is also a traditional singer, frequently served as an emcee at various rallies and sang songs criticizing then-President Yoon Suk-yeol and his associates on stage.
Various sectors of Gwangju's civil society have issued consecutive statements since the appellate ruling, urging the prosecution to withdraw its appeal to the Supreme Court.
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