Prosecution Indicts Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon on Election Law Violations and Detains Him

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, has been indicted for allegedly appealing for support of a specific political party at rallies in Gwanghwamun.

On the 23rd, the Public Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Tae-eun) formally charged Pastor Jeon with violations of the Public Official Election Act and defamation, and took him into custody.

Pastor Jeon is accused of conducting preliminary election campaigning by making statements at rallies in Gwanghwamun Square ahead of the April general election, urging support for the Liberty Korea Party and other right-wing parties in the 21st National Assembly election. He also sparked controversy by proceeding with rallies despite concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The court issued an arrest warrant for Pastor Jeon, citing sufficient evidence of illegal electioneering, and dismissed all detention review petitions filed multiple times by Pastor Jeon's side.

The prosecution added defamation charges, stating that Pastor Jeon damaged President Moon Jae-in's reputation by making remarks such as "The president is a spy" and "The president attempted to communistize the Republic of Korea" during the rallies.

Meanwhile, Ko Young-il, leader of the Christian Liberty Party, who was also reported alongside Pastor Jeon, was not prosecuted as it was deemed difficult to establish a violation of the election law.

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