Convictions voided for 1980s activists
The Seoul High Court on Wednesday overturned the convictions of six persons found guilty of violating martial law during the uprising in Gwangju in May 1980.Representatives Kim Hong-il, Hahn Hwa-kap and Kim Ok-doo of the governing Millennium Democratic Party were among those convicted of anti-state activities during the democracy movement. Kim Hong-il is the eldest son of President Kim Dae-jung. Mr. Hahn and Kim Ok-doo are long-time loyalists to President Kim.
The appellate court said the declaration of the martial law amounted to a rebellion against the Constitution and that the defendants engaged in self-defense by resisting it.
The men served prison sentences of between a year and a half and three years.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)