Former Captain Lee Geun, Convicted for Illegal Participation in Ukraine War, Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in First Trial

Lee Geun, a former captain (39) who was prosecuted for illegally entering Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

Former Captain Lee Geun, who was indicted for violating the Passport Act related to participation in the Ukraine war, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 17th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 17th, Judge Jeong Jae-yong of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 found Lee guilty of all charges, including violation of the Passport Act and hit-and-run injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, and sentenced him to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and 40 hours of a safe driving lecture.

The court stated, "Although Lee participated as a volunteer soldier while staying in Ukraine, it could impose an excessive burden on the state contrary to his intention." Regarding the hit-and-run injury charge under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, the court said, "Considering that the victim's injury was not minor and that no settlement was reached with the victim."

After the sentencing, Lee told reporters, "I somewhat expected the sentence. I will decide whether to appeal after consulting with my legal team."

Lee, a former captain of the Navy Special Warfare Brigade, was prosecuted in January for entering Ukraine, where a Level 4 travel advisory (travel ban) was issued, without permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to use his passport. Lee left the country in March last year, shortly after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, and joined Ukraine's foreign unit, the 'Territorial Defense Forces International Brigade.' He claimed to have been injured on the battlefield and returned to Korea for treatment in May of the same year, then voluntarily appeared before the police. In July last year, he was also prosecuted for leaving the scene without providing aid after causing an accident with a motorcycle while driving in Seoul.

After finishing his first trial on March 20, he also assaulted a YouTuber with whom he had a dispute. Regarding this incident, the police referred Lee to the prosecution on June 22 on charges of assault.

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