SEOUL – Four individuals associated with the online media outlet Jajusibo have been referred to the prosecution on charges of praising and aiding North Korea, in a case that has once again ignited debate over South Korea’s National Security Act.
According to police officials on Sunday, the Seoul and Gyeongbuk police agencies have forwarded the cases of Jajusibo's CEO, identified only as Kim, and three current and former journalists to the prosecution without detention last month. The suspects have been sent to different district prosecutors' offices—the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office, Daegu District Prosecutors' Office, and Daegu District Prosecutors' Office Seobu Branch—based on their places of residence.
Police allege that the suspects produced and distributed "pro-enemy expressions" through the Jajusibo website. The charges stem from reporting and op-ed pieces that allegedly amplified North Korea’s unilateral claims, such as calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea. The police also concluded that their actions of quoting, editing, and commenting on articles from North Korea's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, also constituted a potential violation of the National Security Act.
The National Security Act is a highly controversial law that prohibits individuals from praising, encouraging, or propagating the activities of anti-state organizations, their members, or those who have received their instructions.
The investigation began in October of last year with a search and seizure operation at the suspects' homes. After the individuals failed to comply with multiple summons, the police executed arrest warrants in July to proceed with the investigation.
The late Mr. Lee, the former head of Jajuminbo—considered the predecessor of Jajusibo—was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Supreme Court in 2013 for allegedly communicating with a North Korean agent.
In response to the charges, Jajusibo has publicly condemned the investigation, asserting that the authorities are abusing the National Security Act to "target and oppress" progressive media outlets. The outlet maintains that the investigation is an act of political persecution rather than a legitimate enforcement of the law.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
