Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, suspected of being behind the disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court, denied the charges at his first trial on the 27th.
At the first criminal bench of the Western District Court, Presiding Judge Park Ji-won held the first trial on the 27th on Pastor Jeon's charges, including instigating trespass into a special structure, and a bail hearing.
Jeon was indicted and detained on charges of encouraging supporters to storm the Western District Court, smash fixtures, and assault police shortly after former President Yoon Suk-yeol was taken into custody on the morning of Jan. 19 last year.
At the trial, Jeon said, "I was asleep at 3 a.m. and didn't even know the incident had happened," and denied the charges, saying, "For instigation to be established, shouldn't I have been at the scene or sent a message?" Addressing suspicions that he incited people by mentioning "people's right to resist," he testified, "I gave a speech saying that only if 10 million people gather in Gwanghwamun nonviolently can we set the country right," adding that he never encouraged a court break-in.
The court pointed out to prosecutors that it was not specific about what actions by Jeon allegedly instigated the Western District Court disturbance, saying, "We would like you to review the indictment." It added, "It is not specified what crimes each principal offender committed, nor how many police officers were assaulted," and said, "It is also unclear what instigation by Jeon there was."
At the bail hearing immediately after the first trial, Jeon's attorney listed his medical history, including ligament calcification, a herniated disc, and heart surgery, and argued, "There is nothing intact from head to toe, and it's a miracle he is alive."
The court did not immediately decide on bail. The next hearing is scheduled for Apr. 17 at 10 a.m.