Prosecutors have requested a five-year prison sentence for Jeon Kwang-hoon, the pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, who is accused of inciting a disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court.
During a sentencing hearing on October 21 at the Seoul Western District Court, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office asked the court to impose a five-year sentence on Jeon for charges including instigating a break-in, obstructing official duties, violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, and causing general traffic disruption.
Jeon is facing trial for allegedly encouraging his supporters to storm the court and vandalize property following the arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 19 of last year. Prosecutors claim that Jeon incited the crowd during a rally in Gwanghwamun the day before the incident, urging them to exercise their right to resist and subsequently leading them to occupy roads near the court.
The prosecutor stated, "Attacking the court violently because the trial process or outcome does not meet one's expectations is a serious crime that fundamentally denies the rule of law," adding that Jeon continuously provoked demonstrators through YouTube and speeches, leading to the court invasion.
The prosecutor further noted, "Even during the trial, he attended rallies claiming his actions were justified, showing no remorse," and called for a severe punishment.
In contrast, Jeon's defense attorney denied all allegations, asserting, "He has never instructed anyone to invade the Seoul Western District Court or commit violence," and claimed that all individuals involved denied any connection to Jeon, with some not even knowing him. Regarding the charges of exceeding the scope of the pre-approved rally and road occupation, the defense argued, "The crowd naturally occupied the road, and it cannot be seen as a collective march or organized action."
In his closing statement, Jeon claimed, "We concluded the rally at 7:30 PM on the day of the disturbance, and the incident occurred at 3 AM the next day. How could I have incited anything while I was asleep?" asserting his innocence.
The court has scheduled the first-instance sentencing for Jeon on January 13 at 3 PM.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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