Jeon Du-hwan First Trial Verdict Hearing "Detain in Court" Everyone in Unison

May Organizations and Citizens Raise Voices in Front of Gwangju District Court

On the 30th at 2 PM, ahead of the first trial verdict for Jeon Du-hwan's defamation of the late Father Cho Bi-o, the May Organizations are conducting a "Send Jeon Du-hwan to Prison" performance in front of the Gwangju District Court.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] As the first trial sentencing of Jeon Du-hwan for defamation of the late Father Jo Bio is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 30th, voices calling for the ‘punishment of Jeon Du-hwan’ continued from the May organizations and various sectors from the morning of the same day.

In front of the main gate of Gwangju District Court on this day, following the ‘Send Jeon Du-hwan to Prison’ performance, speeches by the president of the May organizations and citizens took place.

Lee Cheol-woo, chairman of the 5·18 Memorial Foundation, said, “Today’s trial is not simply a trial for defamation of the deceased but a trial to uncover the truth behind 40 years of distortion,” adding, “The court must surely reveal the truth of history and punish strictly.”

He continued, “Defendant Jeon Du-hwan should apologize to the May spirits and the citizens of Gwangju even now,” and said, “The truth will inevitably come out even after time passes,” emphasizing, “On the 40th anniversary of May 18 this year, the truth about the helicopter shootings must be revealed to the whole world.”

Kim Young-hoon, chairman of the 5·18 Bereaved Families Association, stressed, “The murderer Jeon Du-hwan claims to be innocent without any sign of remorse. Does that make any sense?” He added, “The families of May 18 have been pleading with tears, unable to sleep for 40 years, and what about the missing persons? We earnestly hope for Jeon Du-hwan’s detention in court.”

Kim Yi-jong, chairman of the 5·18 Injured Association, also claimed, “Although the National Forensic Service revealed that there were 245 bullets in the Jeil Building, they still insist there was no helicopter shooting,” and argued, “At that time, rifles like the Calvin could not reach the 10th floor of the Jeonil Building.”

Moon Heung-sik, chairman of the 5·18 Detainees Association, said, “Today will be remembered as a historic day,” and added, “As I left my home, Jeon Du-hwan was arrogant, saying it was noisy to the citizens. I hope the court’s strict judgment will make this a historic day of justice to set things right.”

Father Jo Young-dae, nephew of the late Father Jo Bio, and the Catholic Justice and Peace Committee also continued to speak.

Father Jo Young-dae said, “Many people were massacred during May 18, but the person responsible for the massacre has not yet been questioned nor held accountable,” emphasizing, “I hope the result of today’s trial will be the first step to healing the spirits and citizens of May 18.”

He added, “It has been two years and six months since the complaint was filed, and finally, on the day of the first trial sentencing, mixed emotions arise,” and stated, “Despite the helicopter shooting investigation being very clear with various circumstances and evidence, it is heartbreaking that the trial had to be this long to reach this point.”

He continued, “Why is it so difficult for our society to properly punish criminals and investigate the truth? It is a regrettable reality,” and emphasized, “Much more of the May 18 truth has been revealed, and Jeon Du-hwan’s wickedness has been further exposed, so I believe this long trial has meaning.”

Civil society organizations also raised their voices for the punishment of Jeon Du-hwan.

Park Jong-hwa, director of the Gwangju National Artists Federation, said, “I felt that citizens must unite as one when I saw Jeon Du-hwan leaving his house today,” and claimed, “The way to solve all these problems is for all citizens to fight. It is a respect for the senior martyrs who went before us.”

A passing citizen also expressed outrage.

Kim Geum-rim took the stage and said, “I have no family member who is a May 18 merit recipient or related person, but I stood here out of anger,” and cried out, “Our children went to school and never came back, so why should we forgive Jeon Du-hwan? The judiciary must make him pay a just price, not forgive him.”

Park Jong-chan also spoke briefly and strongly, saying, “Prosecutors and judges of the Gwangju District Court, please do not become sinners of history.”

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