"Being confined was hard as an athlete"... Prison sentence sought for soccer player violating self-quarantine

"Mental behavior was crazy, but social distancing was maintained"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Professional soccer player A, who is accused of repeatedly violating self-quarantine measures, has been brought to trial.

At the sentencing hearing held on the 23rd under the presiding of Judge Yoo Chang-hoon of the Criminal Division 7 at the Seoul Western District Court, the prosecution requested a sentence of one year imprisonment and a fine of 3 million won against A, who was charged with violating the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.

A entered Korea in March after playing in a European professional soccer league and left his residence five times during the two-week self-quarantine period.

A had temporarily returned home after the league matches were suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 and planned to return next month.

In court, A testified, "As an athlete, being confined for 14 days was difficult. Although my actions were reckless, I practiced social distancing while moving around and was in a negative state."

A tested negative for COVID-19.

The first trial verdict for A will be announced on the 9th of next month.

Recently, cases of trials due to violations of self-quarantine rules have been increasing.

On the 26th of last month, the Uijeongbu District Court sentenced Kim (27), who was accused of leaving his residence without permission during self-quarantine to drink alcohol, to four months imprisonment.

Also, on the 16th, the Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced Kim (68), who used saunas and restaurants during self-quarantine, to four months imprisonment with a one-year probation.

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