Jung Jinwook: "Punish Court Riot Participants and Those Behind Them"

Jinwook Jung, Member of the National Assembly.

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Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Jinwook (Gwangju Dongnam-gap) stated on the 21st, "The riot that occurred at the Seoul Western District Court on the 18th is an unprecedented incident that directly challenges the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the Republic of Korea," and added, "Those involved and the forces behind them must be thoroughly tracked down and held strictly accountable."

In a statement released that day, Jung said, "The protesters used dangerous objects such as stones and fire extinguishers to damage court windows and facilities, shouted slogans like 'Catch the judge' and 'This is a civil war,' and even broke into the judge's office without permission in an attempt to identify the judge who issued the arrest warrant," pointing out the gravity of the situation. "There were even bloodstains left inside the court, clearly showing the traces of violent acts."

He continued, "This riot is not only a denial of the Constitution and democracy, but also an extreme act that undermines the rule of law and can never be tolerated. Not only those who committed the violence but also the forces who instigated or incited it must be rooted out. Investigative agencies must conduct thorough and swift investigations to strictly punish all those involved," he urged.

He also said, "The People Power Party has not clearly stated its position on this riot," and insisted, "They must clarify their stance to address the public's concerns that they may be condoning the riot."

He criticized, "Kim Minjeon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, brought the Baekgoldan, which symbolizes state violence in the 1980s, into the National Assembly, and Yoon Sanghyun made remarks provoking the rioters by saying that those arrested for climbing over the court wall would be 'released soon.'"

In particular, he pointed out, "The main mastermind behind this riot is Yoon Sukyeol," adding, "Yoon repeatedly sent messages such as 'I am watching your efforts through live YouTube broadcasts' and 'I will fight with you until the end,' inciting far-right supporters."

Jung pledged, "In a society rampant with violence and agitation, there is no place for democracy and the rule of law," and added, "I will do everything possible to eradicate violent and extreme politics and to uphold the rule of law and justice. Together with the people, I will defend the Constitution and the rule of law."

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