(C) The Japan Times

SEOUL – The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office announced Tuesday that it has indicted Jun Kwang-hoon, the lead pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, on charges of instigating a violent protest at a local court last year.

According to prosecutors, Jun played a pivotal role in the "Western District Court Incident." He is accused of inciting followers during a Gwanghwamun rally on January 18, 2025, to march toward the Seoul Western District Court. The following day, protestors successfully breached the court grounds and clashed with law enforcement. The prosecution believes Jun explicitly encouraged participants to "punish anti-state forces through the right of national resistance."

The indictment includes charges of instigating special trespass, special obstruction of public duty, and violating assembly laws. Prosecutors also applied charges for the obstruction of general traffic, noting that the crowd occupied an eight-lane highway under Jun’s direction.

Police previously transferred Jun to the prosecution in custody last month, concluding that he used his religious influence and financial support to "psychologically dominate" and mobilize his followers. While the police dropped separate charges of inciting rebellion due to a lack of evidence regarding specific commands, the prosecution remains firm on the charges of violent incitement and illegal assembly.

The case has drawn significant public attention as it highlights the ongoing tension between religious political activism and judicial authority in South Korea. Jun is currently awaiting trial under detention.

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