Former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn claimed on the 19th regarding the disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court that it was "a resistance to the wrongful investigation and detention by investigative agencies" against President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Kim Woo-hyun) held the first trial for 16 of the 63 indicted individuals related to the disturbance at the Western District Court on the 19th. They are accused of trespassing into the Western District Court premises or building after a warrant for President Yoon was issued on Jan. 19.
Former Prime Minister Hwang, who is representing the defendants, noted during the trial that "a review of why such events occurred is necessary." He continued, stating, "The CIO investigated without any investigative authority and detained President Yoon at the Western District Court instead of the Central District Court, indicating that the procedures were severely flawed and that someone without investigative authority conducted the investigation."
Hwang also argued that the detention of the majority of defendants was excessive. He said, "As someone who has dealt with many such cases, it is customary for about 5 to 6 out of 100 detained to be arrested, but now, even if 200 individuals are detained, nearly 90 have been arrested. This is excessive detention." As Hwang concluded his remarks, applause erupted from the courtroom.
On that day, most of the defendants claimed that they did not forcibly enter through the back door. One lawyer argued, "Entering and exiting a public building briefly does not constitute the crime of trespassing." In previous trials, the majority of defendants accused of trespassing also denied forcibly opening the back door.
The 1st Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Park Ji-won) held the first hearing at 3:30 p.m. for Mr. Choi (35) who is accused of damaging public property and Mr. Nam (36) who is accused of trespassing. They are accused of damaging public property in the court using police shields during the disturbance and violence at the Western District Court.