Pastor indicted for instigating courthouse riot

▲ This file photo, taken Jan. 13, 2026, shows Jeon Kwang-hoon, a conservative activist pastor, answering reporters' questions before attending his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Western District Court. (Yonhap)

pastor-indictment

Pastor indicted for instigating courthouse riot

SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday indicted conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon who was arrested last month over his alleged involvement in last year's courthouse riot committed by supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Jeon was brought to trial on multiple charges, including instigating trespassing in special buildings and instigating obstruction of special public duties, according to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office.

Jeon is accused of being behind pro-Yoon protesters' violence at the Seoul Western District Court on Jan. 19 last year, following the court's decision to extend Yoon's detention over his martial law declaration in December 2024.

The pastor at Seoul's Sarang Jeil Church, who is known for leading numerous rallies in support of Yoon after the martial law, reportedly urged the rally participants to exercise their right of resistance.

The prosecution also charged Jeon with violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act and obstructing general traffic for urging rally participants gathered in Gwanghwamun Square to march toward the Seoul Western District Court and occupy the eight-lane road in front of the court on Jan. 18 last year.

The same court issued an arrest warrant for the pastor Jan. 13, citing the risk of flight and destruction of evidence.

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