'Seobu District Court Disturbance' Participants' Appeals Dismissed... 'Obsession with Retribution and Revenge'

[Financial News] Four defendants who participated in the Seobu District Court disturbance and were sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial did not receive reduced sentences in the appeal trial.
Seoul Western District Court Criminal Appeal Division 3-1 and 3-2 held an appeal trial on the morning of the 8th for Kim Mo (35), Cho Mo (41), So Mo (28), and Cho Mo (30), who were indicted on charges including special intrusion into a building and special damage to public property.
Criminal Appeal Division 3-1 (Presiding Judge Ban Jeong-woo) stated regarding Mr. Kim, "The attempt to retaliate and take revenge by defining the issuance of a warrant by the judiciary as a political conspiracy is highly blameworthy," and "Attacking the court because the trial result differs from one's opinion is an act that shakes the foundation of liberal democracy and the rule of law." Mr. Kim was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison in the first trial.
Regarding Mr. Cho in his 40s, it was also judged that "It is acknowledged that he entered the court through the back door with dozens of people and moved to the lobby," and "This constitutes an intrusion using the power of the masses." Mr. Cho was sentenced to 1 year in prison in the first trial.
Criminal Appeal Division 3-2 (Presiding Judge Jeong Seong-gyun) stated regarding Mr. So's case, "Even considering the payment of a deposit, submission of a letter of reflection, and the fact that he is a first-time offender, the seriousness of the crime means that a sentence of 1 year in prison cannot be considered heavy." On this day, another Mr. Cho in his 30s, who appeared in a patient gown, was also told, "Although there is no criminal record and the family submitted a petition, the crime is very serious and grave, and the nature of the crime is very bad," and the first trial sentence of 2 years and 6 months in prison was maintained. Mr. Cho was brought to trial for charges of breaking into the first-floor lobby of the Seobu District Court during the disturbance and damaging court property such as glass windows with a fire extinguisher and bricks.
The court dismissed the appeals and maintained the original sentences in all four cases, stating, "Although the defendants' reflection and efforts to recover damages can be partially considered, the seriousness of the incident and the nature of the crime are very severe."
Earlier on the same morning, the same Criminal Appeal Division 3-1 and 3-2 held an appeal trial for Choi Mo (66), Han Mo (72), and Lee Mo (35), who are charged with obstruction of special official duties. They were sentenced to 1 year, 2 years and 6 months, and 3 years in prison respectively in the first trial and submitted several letters of reflection and petitions.
In particular, Mr. Choi and Mr. Han emphasized that they are basic livelihood recipients and requested leniency such as a suspended sentence, but the prosecution opposed, stating there was no reason for appeal. The court concluded the hearing and set the sentencing date for the 13th of next month.

425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter