[사회]Jeon Kwang-hoon’s innocence in the first trial… Court “Freedom of expression is the foundation of a democratic society”

[앵커]

Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon, who was accused of defaming President Moon Jae-in after campaigning before the April 15 general election, was acquitted.

The judge decided that the law should be strictly applied so as not to undermine the nature of freedom of expression.

This is reporter Han Dong-oh.

[기자]

[전광훈 / 목사 (지난해 12월 7일) : 자유 우파 국민이 황교안을 대표로 뽑은 이상 반드시 우리가 하나가 돼서 4월 15일 날 이겨야 되는 것입니다!]

Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon was handed over to trial on charges of making several remarks to support the’free right-wing party’ including the Free Korean Party at Gwanghwamun assembly and prayer meetings ahead of the last general election.

The judgment made by the court of first instance was innocent against the former pastor who was at the center of controversy by repeating imprisonment and release due to arrest and bail, corona 19 confirmation, and bail cancellation.

The judiciary decided that the’free right party’, which the former pastor had supported, was abstract and ambiguous, and the actual party corresponding to it could not be clearly specified.

In addition, it was judged that there was no specific candidate, which is the premise of the election campaign concept, because the remarks were not registered as party candidates for the 21st general election.

[전광훈 / 목사 (지난해 10월 9일) : 문재인은 평창 동계올림픽에서 대한민국 간첩의 왕인 신영복을 내가 가장 존경하는 사상가라고 말했습니다. 이것은 간첩의 본체라고 하는 것입니다.]

The court found it innocent for allegations of defaming President Moon’s reputation with such remarks.

In the case of a’spy’ remark, it was judged that it was only seen as an expression of opinion or a rhetorical exaggeration aimed at criticizing the political disposition or actions of President Moon, a public figure.

The remarks that’they attempted communism’ were also seen as expressing critical opinions on President Moon’s political actions and attitudes, while the former pastor presented his own grounds.

He also stressed that freedom of expression is the foundation of a democratic society, and that even when restricting it, the law should not be interpreted by expanding the law so as not to undermine the essence of freedom of expression.

Immediately after the ruling, Pastor Jeon welcomed “Korea has won,” insisting that those who dismantle the Republic of Korea will be judged through the Constitution.

[전광훈 / 목사 (판결 직후) : 대한민국이 이겼습니다! 저는 선지자입니다, 선지자. 아니 지구촌에서 선지자를 구속하는 나라 봤습니까? 내가 말하는 말이 조금 무리가 있다고 쳐도 한기총 대표 회장을 구속하는 나라가 있습니까?]

The civic group that accused the former pastor criticized the death penalty against the Public Official Election Act, claiming that the videos and evidence of repeated campaigning were clear, and that recognizing offensive speech as freedom of expression.

The judge repeatedly emphasized that freedom of expression was used as the criterion for judging this case.

The prosecution, who sought two years and six months in prison for Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon, will decide whether to appeal soon after reviewing the judgment.

YTN Han Dong-oh[[email protected]]is.

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