S. Korean fined for defying government travel ban to Syria

Posted on : 2015-12-02 18:29 KST Modified on : 2015-12-02 18:29 KST
TV professional asks for leniency, while judge says it’s important to uphold the purpose of ban to dangerous country
IS fighters march in Raqqa
IS fighters march in Raqqa

A court ruled to fine a company employee who traveled to Syria on business.

The Middle Eastern country is currently the base for the military Islamist group Islamic State - perpetrators of a recent terror attack in Paris - and is subject to a travel ban by the South Korean government.

Judge Kim Min-jeong of the 21st criminal division of Seoul Central District Court announced on Dec. 1 that the 37-year-old employee surnamed Moon was fined 300,000 won (US$260) for violating the Passport Act with a three-day visit to Syria on Sept. 16, 2014 after it had been placed under a ban for South Korean travelers. The visit by Moon, who works in sales for a television company, came around the same time that IS released videos showing the beheadings of US reporters James Foley and Steven Sotloff. Syria was also subjected to attack strikes by the US on Sept. 22, 2014, just after Moon’s departure.

Seoul imposed the travel ban on Syria on Aug. 30, 2011, citing the ongoing civil war. Subsequent extensions have allowed visits only with government permission under exceptional circumstances such as reporting, humanitarian reasons, or official business through Jan. 31 of next year.

While Moon did return safely to South Korea, his visit was discovered due to a Syrian entry stamp on his passport. Prosecutors issued a summary indictment in September for a fine of 700,000 won (US$600). Moon, whose work is chiefly in overseas sales, requested a formal trial and asked for leniency, claiming that a fine could have an adverse impact on passport reissuance.

According to Kim, the fine was based on the court’s determination that criminal punishment was necessary in view of the dangerous political situation in Syria and the purpose of Seoul’s travel ban.

By Jung Hwan-bong, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

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