Prosecutors Seek 6-Month Prison Sentence for 60-Year-Old First Arrested for Quarantine Violation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for a man in his 60s who violated self-quarantine measures related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by visiting a sauna and other places.

On the 19th, at the first trial of Mr. A (68) held under the presiding of Judge Park Chang-hee of the 12th Criminal Division at the Seoul Eastern District Court, the prosecution requested the court to sentence him to six months in prison, stating, "The defendant violated quarantine measures despite being a suspected COVID-19 case."

Mr. A, who arrived from the United States on the 10th of last month, did not comply with the self-quarantine measures imposed by the health authorities and wandered around the Songpa-gu area in Seoul the following day before being sent home by the police. However, he later visited a sauna and a restaurant, was arrested by the police, and was ultimately indicted and detained on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. This was the first case where an arrest warrant was issued for violating self-quarantine measures.

Mr. A's defense attorney pleaded for leniency, saying, "Mr. A received a negative COVID-19 test result at the Songpa-gu Office screening clinic immediately after arrival, so he did not think his actions would cause harm," and added, "He admits to the offense and is deeply remorseful."

Mr. A's sentencing trial is scheduled to be held on the 16th of next month.

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