 |
Han Hak-ja, Leader of the Unification Church. (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News Agency) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Court Grants Suspension of Detention Citing Health Concerns, Imposes Strict Conditions
Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, who is standing trial while in detention over allegations of collusion between religion and politics, has been temporarily released until Feb. 21.
The 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court on Feb. 11 granted a suspension of detention for Han. The suspension will remain in effect until 2 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Earlier on Feb. 4, Han’s legal team requested that she be allowed to stand trial without detention, citing deteriorating health. The defense said the request followed a recent fall inside the detention center and concerns over cardiovascular shock.
During the suspension period, the court restricted Han’s residence to a hospital. Contact is permitted only with medical personnel, her attorneys, and individuals assisting with mobility and meals. She is prohibited from directly or indirectly contacting witnesses who have testified or are scheduled to testify, and must appear at designated times and locations if summoned during the suspension.
A suspension of detention allows temporary release when urgent grounds exist, such as serious illness, childbirth, or attendance at a family funeral. The decision takes effect immediately and, unlike bail, does not require the posting of bond.
This marks the second suspension of detention granted to Han. In November last year, she was released for three days to receive medical treatment before returning to custody after the court denied an extension request.
Han was indicted and detained in October last year on charges including allegedly receiving information about a police investigation into gambling-related matters from Rep. Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party in October 2022 and attempting to destroy related evidence, along with former Unification Church official Yoon Young-ho.
She also faces allegations of illegally splitting and donating KRW 144 million in church funds between April and July 2022 to lawmakers affiliated with the People Power Party, as well as involvement in delivering luxury gifts—including a high-end necklace and Chanel handbag—to then-First Lady Kim Keon-hee through a shaman known as Geonjin Beopsa in connection with lobbying efforts concerning church-related issues.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
