Ex-Officials Avoid Han Trial; Lee Penalized for Oath Refusal

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Legal Proceedings and Witness Refusals in Han Duck-soo's Case

The trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for aiding insurrection continued on the 19th, with several high-profile figures summoned as witnesses. Among them were former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. However, both submitted non-attendance statements, leading to the court’s decision to execute arrest warrants against them.

The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 33, presided over by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, conducted the trial. The court had previously called for the attendance of Yoon, Kim, and former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min. Despite the summons, Yoon submitted his non-attendance statement on the 17th, while Kim did so on the 18th.

The court emphasized that the arrest warrants were issued as compulsory measures and would be executed regardless of the individuals’ willingness to appear. This decision was made after the court had announced plans to carry out the arrests that afternoon.

Witness Appearance and Oath Refusal

In contrast to Yoon and Kim, former Minister Lee Sang-min attended the court on the day of the trial. However, he refused to take the oath, citing a lack of justifiable reasons under the Criminal Procedure Act. When the court reminded him that there was no right to refuse the oath in criminal proceedings, Lee repeatedly stated his refusal, arguing that he had the legal right to decline.

The court responded by stating it would impose sanctions, resulting in a fine of 500,000 Korean won. Lee indicated that he would file an objection to the fine, maintaining his stance on the matter.

During the witness examination, Lee also refused to answer most of the questions posed by the special counsel. When asked about a specific statement regarding former President Yoon's alleged instructions during martial law, Lee questioned the relevance of the inquiry, stating, “This is a trial about the prime minister, so why are you asking about me? It seems inappropriate.”

Unprecedented Legal Developments

The court noted that this was the first time a witness had refused to take the oath in a criminal trial. It reiterated that fines of up to 500,000 Korean won could be imposed for such refusals without justifiable reasons. The situation highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the case, with significant implications for the individuals involved.

As the trial progresses, the actions of the witnesses will continue to shape the narrative and outcomes of the proceedings. The court's determination to enforce its rulings underscores the seriousness of the charges and the importance of compliance with legal procedures.

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