Prosecutors Seek Two-Year Prison Sentence for Man in His 30s for Assaulting Journalist During West District Court Riot

Prosecutors have requested a two-year prison sentence for a man in his 30s who was put on trial for assaulting members of the press at the scene of the West District Court riot.

Police and protesters are confronting each other during the West District Court riot. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 9 at 11 a.m., during the sentencing hearing for Park (age 37) on charges of aggravated assault, held before Presiding Judge Park Jiweon of the Seoul West District Court Criminal Division 1, prosecutors requested a two-year prison sentence.

Park is accused of grabbing the camera of a broadcast video journalist who was filming on the road in front of the court during the West District Court riot on January 19, and kicking the journalist, resulting in injuries that required two weeks of medical treatment.

Prosecutors stated, "Compared to other accomplices, the defendant committed the crime in a much more active and coercive manner," adding, "Given the extent of the victim's psychological and physical harm, the crime is quite serious."

Park's attorney requested a suspended sentence, citing Park's remorse during his time in detention, and added, "He regrets his mistake of assaulting the journalist without hesitation and is reflecting on his actions."

Park stated, "I regret and am reflecting on the fact that I acted impulsively under the influence of the crowd against a journalist who was simply fulfilling his reporting duties."

The sentencing for Park is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on the 28th.

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