A man in his 60s who had illegally entered a military base in Gwangmyeong by tampering with the barbed wire has avoided the risk of being detained.
According to the Gwangmyeong Police Station on the 23rd, the court dismissed the arrest warrant for Mr. A, who was charged with violating the Military Installation and Military Facility Protection Act, after holding an interrogation for the suspect before arrest on the 21st.
It is reported that the court made this decision considering Mr. A's stable residence and his acknowledgment of the criminal facts. Mr. A is accused of cutting the outer barbed wire of an ammunition battalion in Gwangmyeong at around 7:30 a.m. on the 13th before entering the premises.
After cutting the barbed wire, he entered the facility.
The military immediately issued a warning after capturing Mr. A on the surveillance camera (CCTV) of the base, and it was determined that he quickly fled outside the unit.
The damaged barbed wire was located approximately 200 to 300 meters away from the ammunition depot, and no evidence of threats to the depot or loss of ammunition was found.
Following a request for cooperation from the military, the police arrested Mr. A at his residence in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo City, at 4:49 p.m. on the 19th, six days later, through an investigation that included CCTV video analysis.
Fortunately, this incident, which raised security awareness in the local community as a breach of military facility security, was determined not to have malicious intent.
"I heard rumors that the military base was relocating and went in to gather herbs."
During police questioning, Mr. A stated, "I cut the barbed wire to go in and gather herbs," adding that "I heard rumors that the military base had relocated." He also reportedly mentioned that he often forages for herbs to make tea due to his poor health.
The police plan to continue the investigation into Mr. A while keeping him at liberty and will soon send him to the prosecution.
A police official stated, "No evidence of threats to national security has been confirmed regarding Mr. A," adding that "it is a sensitive matter, so specific explanations are difficult."
This incident has served as a reminder of the importance of military facility security and legal awareness regarding illegal entry into military areas by civilians.
The military authorities are expected to use this incident as an opportunity to strengthen security around military facilities and enhance promotional activities aimed at local residents.
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