*This content was translated by AI.
A family member of the in-laws of Ryu Joong-il (63), the former national baseball team manager, who was indicted for installing a home camera in the newlywed home of his son and daughter-in-law and recording their conversations, was acquitted of not guilty in the first trial.
According to reports by NEWS1 and MoneyToday, the Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Park Jong-yeol) acquitted A, the former father-in-law, and B, the brother-in-law, of Ryu, the former director's son, on charges of violating the Communications Secrets Protection Act on the 17th.
Mr. A and others were indicted on charges of entering the home of the former coach Ryu's son and his wife, which had been vacant due to separation, and installing a home camera with recording capabilities, thereby recording conversations between third parties.
The issue in the trial was whether there was intent to illegally listen to and record · the conversations of others in connection with the installation of the home camera. In response, the court ruled in favor of the defendants, citing the circumstances of the residence at the time and the purpose of the installation.
The court ruled that although the residence where the incident occurred was jointly owned by the couple, it was effectively separated and no one was living there. It is difficult to anticipate that a third party would visit the home, except for the purpose of packing belongings during the divorce process.
He added, "The term 'conversation' in the Communication Secrets Protection Act, which prohibits recording another person's conversation, refers to communication," and noted that "simply recording one's own monologue is difficult to consider as communication protected under the law."
He explained the reasons for the sentencing, stating, "It is also reasonable to consider that there was a need to install (home cameras) for security purposes or to prevent potential accidents, given that there were disputes during the divorce process and conflicts between the parties escalated dramatically."
Meanwhile, this conflict began amid allegations that Ryu, the former coach's daughter-in-law, had an inappropriate relationship with a high school student.
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*This content was translated by AI.
