Three Members of Sarang Jeil Church Including Those Who Threw Molotov Cocktails Sent to Prosecution in Custody

The third eviction enforcement at Seongbuk-gu Sarang Jeil Church was halted after about 7 hours. According to the police on the 26th, approximately 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court attempted to carry out a forced eviction of the church facilities starting around 1 a.m., but withdrew around 8:30 a.m. due to resistance from the congregation. The photo shows Sarang Jeil Church on that day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Jongam Police Station in Seoul announced on the 26th that it has arrested and sent to prosecution three officials of Sarang Jeil Church on charges of using incendiary materials during a resistance to eviction enforcement last November (special obstruction of official duties and violation of the Molotov cocktail punishment law).

According to the police, they were arrested on the 16th of this month, and the prosecution referral was made on the 23rd.

Previously, Sarang Jeil Church, located in the middle of Jangwi 10 District in Seongbuk-gu, had opposed redevelopment demolition due to issues such as compensation.

About 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court began the third eviction enforcement around 1 a.m. on November 26 last year.

However, dozens of worshippers guarding the chapel strongly resisted by throwing Molotov cocktails and dousing themselves with incendiary materials to prevent the demolition team from entering, resulting in a suspension after about seven hours.

The police formed a dedicated investigation team at the Jongam Police Station on the day of the incident and have been analyzing videos and other materials documenting the forced enforcement situation. Incendiary materials were found during searches of the church's main building, annex, and residential quarters.

The police are investigating about 30 people, including church worshippers involved in violent acts during the eviction enforcement and enforcement personnel.

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