During the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020, individuals involved in organizing a rally in downtown Seoul for the 50th anniversary of labor activist Jeon Tae-il, in violation of quarantine guidelines, have been handed suspended prison sentences in their second trial.
The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Appeals Division 8-3, led by Judge Choi Jin-sook, sentenced former civic group leader Kim Soo-ok to one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 3 million won, matching the initial trial’s verdict.
Other affiliated individuals, identified as Yu and Cha, received sentences of 8 to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with the same fine, reaffirming the first trial’s sentences.
The group, “Stop Discriminatory Treatment of Non-regular Workers,” led by Kim, organized a rally in November 2020 at Jeon Tae-il Bridge in Jongno-gu, Seoul, demanding the expanded application of the Labor Standards Act and opposing government amendments to labor laws, proceeding to march towards the Blue House.
The Seoul city government had restricted assembly attendance to 99 people to prevent COVID-19 spread, but it was found that over 300 people attended the rally.
Prosecutors also charged Kim and others for defying police prohibitions and continuing to hold rallies in May and June of the same year.
The first trial highlighted that the COVID-19 spread, which was unprecedented in its transmissibility and fatality rates, restrained the entire nation, with people cooperating with government policies. It criticized the defendants, stating that their rally could undermine these national efforts and sacrifices, indicating the seriousness of their offenses.
Both prosecutors and Kim’s side appealed the first trial decision, but the second trial dismissed both appeals.
[Photo source: Yonhap News]