Choo Mi-ae Criticizes "Acquittal of Martial Law Military Officials Gives Immunity to Constitutional Destruction"... Head-on Criticism of 'Insurrection Ruling'

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae strongly criticized a court's first-instance acquittal of military officials indicted for allegedly participating in insurrection through attendance at a so-called "Lotteria meeting" during emergency martial law and troop deployment, calling it a "judgment that defies common sense and experience."

Governor Choo stated her position on the 3rd through social media, defining the court's ruling as an "insurrection-encouraging judgment" and systematically refuting the reasoning behind the insurrection-dedicated trial division's acquittal decision.

Earlier, the Criminal Merged Division 38-2 (Insurrection-Dedicated Trial Division) of the Seoul Central District Court acquitted all eight current and former military officials, including former 2nd Armored Division Commander Koo Sam-hoe and former Defense Ministry Innovation Planning Officer Bang Jeong-hwan, who were indicted on charges including performing important duties related to insurrection, on October 30th. The court determined it was difficult to conclude that these individuals were aware in advance of and participated in the purpose of the unconstitutional and unlawful martial law.

In response, Governor Choo stated, "If those receiving orders follow them without question, it opens the path to hide behind the excuse of 'I didn't know' while participating in orders that destroy the Constitution," and pointed out, "This is a judgment granting immunity to commanders who have responsibility for refusing unjust orders."

Based on investigation results from the fact-finding team, Governor Choo presented six major circumstances refuting the court's judgment. These include: ▲Relationship with former Defense Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won before martial law and pre-notification of duties ▲Attendance at lunch with Defense Minister on the day of martial law and receipt of encouragement money, continuing to the Lotteria meeting ▲Circumstances of unlawful order transmission including illegal acquisition of Electoral Commission chairman ▲Remaining at the Pangyo unit after recognizing martial law declaration while awaiting orders ▲Participation in evidence destruction including cryptocurrency transfers after martial law was lifted.

Governor Choo emphasized, "The court separated each series of events one by one and accepted explanations of 'didn't know' each time," and said, "If conduct is evaluated in fragmented form, we arrive at the peculiar conclusion that no one participated in insurrection."

Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor's Team for the Insurrection Case is reportedly planning to appeal, citing misinterpretation of legal principles and factual errors by the first-instance court.