Kim Ki-jong, who has been charged with attempted murder in the attack against an America envoy, was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
While his attempted murder pleaded guilty, his charge of violating national security law was found not guilty. The prosecution gave him 12 years in jail, saying, "Although it is willful negligence, he was willing to murder him."
The judge said, "The victim had a serious injury on his face and arm. Although Kim didn't accurately target specific parts such as face or neck, he attacked the victim with a strong willingness to hurt him."
Regarding the charge of violating the national security law, the judge said, "We cannot conclude that he responded to North Korea's claim and he did not threaten the fundamental of the existence of a nation and free democracy," adding that "Although Kim worked together with supporters for North Korea, the connection is not big enough to say that he sympathized with activities for North Korea.”
Kim attacked Ambassador Mark Lippert in March at a forum discussing Korean reunification. The Ambassador suffered a deep gash to his face that required 80 stitches and injuries to his wrist. He was hospitalized for five days.
