Jeon Gwang-hoon, Re-Arrested, Appears in Court Today... Election Law Violation Trial Resumes After Two Months

by Choi Sukjin

Published 12 Oct.2020 11:25(KST)

On the 7th of last month, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon is speaking to the press in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was re-incarcerated for violating bail conditions, will stand trial again.

According to the legal community, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 34 (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah) will hold a continuation hearing on the 12th for Pastor Jeon, who has been indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation.

The trial, which was suspended after Pastor Jeon tested positive for COVID-19 following the hearing on August 11, will resume after two months.

Since the defendant is obligated to appear in court, Pastor Jeon is expected to appear in court for the first time since his re-arrest.

Pastor Jeon was arrested and indicted in March on charges of conducting pre-election campaigning at gatherings in Gwanghwamun Square ahead of the 21st general election (violation of the Public Official Election Act) and defaming President Moon Jae-in.

He was released on bail on April 20, with the court imposing the condition that "he must not participate in any gatherings or protests that may be related to this case or illegal."

However, Pastor Jeon attended a gathering in Gwanghwamun on the 15th of last month and even gave a speech without wearing a mask.

In response, the prosecution filed a motion to revoke his bail on the 16th of last month, citing his attendance at the Gwanghwamun gathering as a violation of bail conditions, and the court dismissed the bail application on the 17th of the same month without a separate hearing.