Prosecutors Clear Former Gimsu Commander Jo Hyun-cheon of 'Rebellion Conspiracy' Charges

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The prosecution has dismissed charges of conspiracy to commit rebellion against former Defense Security Command (DSC) Commander Cho Hyun-cheon, a key figure in the martial law review document controversy.

The Criminal Division 5 of the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Jeong-hoon) announced on the 21st that "merely drafting the martial law review document does not constitute conspiracy to organize a riot or an agreement to execute a riot," and thus dismissed the charges against former Commander Cho.

The prosecution elaborated, stating, "It is an established legal principle that an agreement to execute a riot must be clearly recognized and there must be a substantial risk."

The prosecution additionally indicted former Commander Cho on the same day for abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights, regarding his formation of a secret task force (TF) during the impeachment crisis and drafting the martial law review document containing unconstitutional content beyond the scope of duties of the Republic of Korea Army Defense Security Command (DSC, currently the Defense Security Support Command).

Former Commander Cho is currently on trial at the Seoul Western District Court for allegations of interfering in the election of the president of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions while serving as commander.

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