"Catch the Reds" Evangelist Sentenced to 3 Years and 6 Months for Inciting Western District Court Riot

[Financial News] An evangelist from Sarang Jeil Church, who was put on trial for inciting the protesters during the Seoul Western District Court riot, has been sentenced to prison in the first trial.
The Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Park Ji-won) sentenced Mr. Yoon (56), who was indicted for special building intrusion, obstruction of special official duties, and other charges, to 3 years and 6 months in prison.
Mr. Yoon, who has been active as a special evangelist at Sarang Jeil Church led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, was put on trial for inciting violence and damaging the court entrance shutter during the Western District Court riot on January 19.
The court stated, "The defendant shouted slogans such as 'Catch the Reds and infiltrate' in front of the court's main gate and incited the intrusion into the court," adding, "Later, he again incited by saying 'We must fight the police and demand they hand over the Reds,' showing very poor motives and methods."
It continued, "He blamed the police for 90% of the riot, saying 'The riot was due to the police's dereliction of duty,' showing no sincere remorse," it added.
Mr. Ok, who was indicted for wearing a mask and damaging facilities such as the complaint document desk during the Western District Court riot, was also sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison.
It was reported that forensic investigation revealed Mr. Ok sent a message the day before the incident saying, 'I will go to the front line no matter what and break through people,' and 'If the warrant is not dismissed, it's a riot.'
The court explained, "The defendant entered the premises with dangerous objects and assaulted many police officers when the arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk-yeol was issued," adding, "He damaged court property with dangerous objects and caused significant financial damage."
It further noted, "Although he did not reach the judge's office, it seems he intended to threaten the judge who issued the arrest warrant," adding, "He inflicted serious harm on the authority of the court by instilling fear among court staff and police officers."
The court sentenced Mr. Choi (35) and Mr. Park (35), who participated in the riot, to 1 year and 1 month and 1 year and 4 months in prison, respectively.  

425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter