Passenger Assaulted for Demanding 'Mask Wearing'... 50s Man Arrested and Prosecuted for 'Subway Disturbance'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 50s who caused a disturbance by assaulting passengers with slippers for requesting mask-wearing on the subway during his commute has been brought to trial.

The Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Jeong Gyeong-jin) announced on the 16th that Mr. A was arrested and indicted on assault charges on the 9th.

Mr. A is accused of assaulting two passengers who requested him to wear a mask on a subway near Dangsan Station on Line 2 at around 7:25 a.m. last month on the 27th.

At the time, Mr. A struck the passengers' faces and choked them with the slippers he was wearing. He also hurled insults at another nearby passenger and caused a disturbance.

Mr. A, who was caught in the act, reportedly stated during the police investigation that he assaulted the victims out of anger over the mask-wearing request.

On the 28th of last month, Mr. A appeared at a pre-trial detention hearing at the Seoul Southern District Court and said, "I have been taking medication for 24 years," and "I did not know I had to wear a mask. I am sorry to the victims."

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