Prosecution Seeks Prison Sentences for Judge Seong Chang-ho and Others on Charges of Leaking Warrant Details

Shin Gwang-ryeol Sentenced to 2 Years Imprisonment, Jo Ui-yeon and Seong Chang-ho Sentenced to 1 Year Each

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested the court to impose prison sentences on judges indicted for leaking prosecution investigation details to the Court Administration Office during the Yang Seung-tae judiciary era.

On the 20th, the prosecution made this request at the sentencing hearing of Chief Judges Shin Gwang-ryeol, Jo Ui-yeon, and Seong Chang-ho held by the 23rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Yoo Young-geun).

The prosecution sought a two-year prison sentence for Chief Judge Shin and one-year prison sentences each for Chief Judges Jo and Seong.

The prosecution stated, "The defendants used the role granted by the Constitution (as warrant judges) for the judiciary after obtaining investigation information," adding, "Their act of secretly leaking investigation secrets has made it difficult to gain public trust in investigations and warrant trials."

They also pointed out, "The defendants are aware that their actions constitute a crime, yet they show no remorse, instead making excuses to avoid responsibility."

The prosecution argued, "The motive and means of the crime are malicious, and the consequences are serious," emphasizing, "It is necessary to impose strict punishment to prevent the arbitrary use of judicial power and to establish judicial independence."

The three were indicted on charges of leaking official secrets for collecting prosecution investigation details and future plans through the warrant-dedicated trial division to obstruct investigations targeting judges during the 2016 'Jung Un-ho Gate' scandal and reporting them to the Court Administration Office.

At that time, Chief Judge Shin was the Senior Chief Judge of Criminal Affairs at the Seoul Central District Court, and Chief Judges Jo and Seong were warrant-dedicated judges.

They considered such reports as part of routine work based on judicial administration grounds at the time and have argued that the charge of leaking official secrets cannot be legally established.

They also maintain that they cannot acknowledge any collusion with former Deputy Chief of the Court Administration Office Lim Jong-heon and others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.