Representative Park Sang-hak Accused of Assaulting Reporters Claims "Justifiable Self-Defense Against Illegal Reporting" in First Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Park Sang-hak, the head of the Free North Korea Movement Alliance, who was indicted on charges including assaulting reporters, claimed self-defense at his first trial.

On the 11th, Judge Kwon Deok-jin of the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 1 held the first trial for Park, who was charged with assault, special injury, obstruction of official duties, and violation of the Firearms and Ammunition Act.

On this day, Park's side stated, "We acknowledge the facts of the indictment," but explained, "The motive was self-defense in response to the reporters' illegal reporting and trespassing."

Regarding the charge of spraying a gas gun at a police officer, they said, "It was not aimed at the police but fired three times into the air as a form of protest," adding, "At the time, he was under personal protection, but the police neglected their duty, allowing the reporters to come to his house, and he intended to reprimand them."

Earlier, on June 23 of last year, around 9 p.m., Park was indicted for throwing bricks and committing violence against the SBS TV 'Morning Wide' reporters who attempted to report at his home in Songpa-gu, and for spraying a self-defense gas gun at police officers who tried to stop him.

Park's side also requested the court to consider, "The SBS reporters who filed countercharges for trespassing and other offenses were all given non-prosecution or no charges by the prosecution, but they appealed last month, and the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office is currently investigating."

Meanwhile, Park is currently under investigation by the prosecution for violating the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act by distributing leaflets to North Korea, among other charges.

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