[Herald Economy reporter Choi Eun-ji] A court rejected an arrest warrant for a man in his 30s accused of injuring Reform New Party Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han by throwing a beverage during the campaign ahead of the June 3 local elections.On the 29th, Yonhap News reported the court held a pretrial detention hearing for a suspect identified as A, who faces charges under the Public Official Election Act for interfering with the freedom of elections, and denied the arrest warrant.
Prosecutors said that at about 8:57 a.m. on the 27th, while driving on a road in Geumjeong District, Busan, A allegedly threw a cup containing a drink at Jeong as the candidate approached for a campaign stop.
Witnesses said A shouted insults belittling the young politician as he threw the cup. Jeong struck his head on the pavement, was diagnosed with a concussion and other injuries, and was taken to hospital; he was discharged on the morning of the third day after admission.
Separately from the court’s decision to deny the warrant, police are continuing their investigation, including forensic analysis of A’s cellphone, to determine whether he acted alone and to clarify his motive.
A Busan police official said, “Although A has been released, we may reapply for an arrest warrant after conducting additional investigation.”
