A disability rights activist who blocked bus doors and prevented passengers from boarding during a rally demanding mobility rights for people with disabilities has been sentenced to a fine.
Judge Lim Jin-su of Cheongju District Court's Criminal Division 2 sentenced a man in his 50s, identified only as A, a co-representative of the Sejong Coalition Against Discrimination of People with Disabilities, to a fine of 1 million won (about $656) on charges of obstruction of business, the court announced Sunday.
A was indicted after chaining himself to the entrance of a stationary bus at a stop in front of KTX Osong Station in Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, on March 26, 2021, preventing passengers from boarding.
He carried out the act while attending a rally organized by the Korea Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination, which was calling for the introduction of low-floor buses and broader guaranteed mobility rights for people with disabilities.
A argued in court that his actions constituted a "legitimate act within the scope of a protest," but the court rejected the claim.
"Even granting respect to the defendant's argument, it is difficult to regard the act as legitimate when considering the circumstances and the extent of harm caused," Judge Lim said in the ruling. "The sentence was determined by taking into account the circumstances of the offense and the defendant's age, among other factors."
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