May Group Urges Investigation into Forces Behind Violence at Seoul Western District Court

"Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon Suspected of Political Collusion"

After President Yoon Seokyeol was arrested on charges of leading an insurrection, some supporters broke into the Seoul Western District Court, causing an illegal violent incident. On the morning of the 20th, one day after the incident, the damage at the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, remains visible. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The May Organizations have urged a thorough investigation into the forces behind the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court, calling it a grave matter that directly denies the rule of law.

The three official organizations under the May 18 Special Act (the Bereaved Families Association, the Meritorious Persons Association, and the Injured Persons Association), along with the May 18 Memorial Foundation, issued a statement on the 21st, saying, "We strongly condemn the violent actions and remarks of far-right groups that undermine the rule of law and democracy due to the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court," and added, "We call for a thorough investigation into the forces behind the incident."

The organizations stated, "This violent incident is a serious matter that blatantly denies the rule of law and democracy," and pointed out, "In particular, Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon shamelessly made outrageous remarks on YouTube, such as, 'By exercising the people's right to resistance, we can take President Yoon Sukyeol out of the detention center.' Such statements are clearly acts of inciting violence."

They further stated, "Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon recently claimed on YouTube that 'the Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Society would come immediately if I called,' raising inevitable suspicions of massive political collusion behind the scenes," and added, "The prolonged delay in investigating Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon, who was reported by the May Organizations for spreading false information about May 18, has also seriously undermined the fairness and credibility of national institutions."

Meanwhile, the May Organizations emphasized, "There must be a thorough investigation into the forces behind the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court, including Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon and other agitators," and added, "All forces that distort violence and democracy must be strictly punished in accordance with the law and principles."

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