Prosecutors Indict 'Violent Protesters' in Front of Former President Moon Jae-in's Residence

Former President Moon Jae-in [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A protester accused of conducting a long-term violent protest in front of the former President Moon Jae-in and his wife's residence in Yangsan was indicted in custody on the 31st.

On the same day, the Criminal Division 5 of Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Noh Seon-gyun) announced that Mr. A (65) was indicted in custody on charges of special intimidation and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act.

The prosecution explained, "We judged that the repeated verbal abuse protests, which clearly showed the intent to harass the other party, exceeded the scope allowed by the freedom of assembly," and added, "He was also charged under 'stalking crimes.'"

Earlier, Mr. A is accused of insulting former President Moon and his wife with verbal abuse and violent language 65 times over three months since last May near the Yangsan residence using a loudspeaker. The prosecution judged that Mr. A repeatedly committed the crimes by waiting for or watching the former President Moon and his wife near the Yangsan residence, causing anxiety and fear.

In particular, Mr. A was arrested on the spot on the 16th near the Yangsan residence on charges of threatening a secretary office official of the residence with a weapon in response to protests against his verbal abuse demonstration.

A prosecution official stated, "He repeatedly used personal attacks and violent language without any demands to achieve the purpose of the assembly, and many village residents, including the former President Moon and his wife, suffered serious mental distress due to the prolonged verbal abuse protests," adding, "Despite police orders to ban and restrict the assembly and noise restrictions, the verbal abuse protests continued, and the fact that there was an actual attempt to cause 'harm' was also taken into consideration."

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