ID :
42474
Sat, 01/24/2009 - 12:28
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/42474
The shortlink copeid
Controversial blogger to be tried by economic panel
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Yonhap) -- A controversial blogger arrested for allegedly spreading false rumors about the country's economy will be tried by a one-judge panel specializing in economic and financial disputes, the central Seoul court said Saturday.
The 31-year-old blogger "Minerva," whose last name is Park, gained a substantial
following in South Korea after making several precise forecasts on the sweeping
economic downturn, including the collapse of U.S. giant Lehman Brothers last
year.
Many here were surprised when prosecutors revealed that Park was an unemployed
man with little education and no background in the economic sector. Authorities
claim Park's on-line statements cost the country at least US$2 billion in lost
foreign reserves as they triggered groundless market jitters.
Judge Lee Hyeon-jong, who specializes in economy-related suits, will preside over
Park's hearing, which is expected to focus on whether or not his online posts
were indeed false, as the prosecution claims, the Seoul Central District Court
said.
A Seoul court last week refused to release Park on bail, citing the possibility
that he might attempt to destroy evidence. Despite the heavy clamp down by
authorities, however, Minerva has gained an iconic status among many here who see
him as a symbol of opposition to unpopular government policies, a virtual on-line
guru. His arrest has sparked a heated debate about the freedom of speech in
cyberspace.
Minerva's postings came as South Korea's conservative government strove to fight
off the looming fallout from the U.S.-sparked credit crunch. His popularity grew
among 20 and 30-something anti-government visitors to the popular on-line forum.
Park pleaded not guilty before he was jailed earlier this month, saying he posted
the articles to help South Korea's underprivileged "understand the circumstances
better." Park's attorney claims most of his postings should be considered
"truthful" and denied allegations the suspect bore any intention of harming the
government or the public.
Minerva could face a maximum five-year jail term if found guilty.
The 31-year-old blogger "Minerva," whose last name is Park, gained a substantial
following in South Korea after making several precise forecasts on the sweeping
economic downturn, including the collapse of U.S. giant Lehman Brothers last
year.
Many here were surprised when prosecutors revealed that Park was an unemployed
man with little education and no background in the economic sector. Authorities
claim Park's on-line statements cost the country at least US$2 billion in lost
foreign reserves as they triggered groundless market jitters.
Judge Lee Hyeon-jong, who specializes in economy-related suits, will preside over
Park's hearing, which is expected to focus on whether or not his online posts
were indeed false, as the prosecution claims, the Seoul Central District Court
said.
A Seoul court last week refused to release Park on bail, citing the possibility
that he might attempt to destroy evidence. Despite the heavy clamp down by
authorities, however, Minerva has gained an iconic status among many here who see
him as a symbol of opposition to unpopular government policies, a virtual on-line
guru. His arrest has sparked a heated debate about the freedom of speech in
cyberspace.
Minerva's postings came as South Korea's conservative government strove to fight
off the looming fallout from the U.S.-sparked credit crunch. His popularity grew
among 20 and 30-something anti-government visitors to the popular on-line forum.
Park pleaded not guilty before he was jailed earlier this month, saying he posted
the articles to help South Korea's underprivileged "understand the circumstances
better." Park's attorney claims most of his postings should be considered
"truthful" and denied allegations the suspect bore any intention of harming the
government or the public.
Minerva could face a maximum five-year jail term if found guilty.
