Man sent to prosecutors for spreading 'spy riot' falsehoods about Gwangju Uprising

South Korean authorities have forwarded a man in his 30s to prosecutors for allegedly disseminating false information about the pivotal May 18th Gwangju Uprising on social media platforms. The suspect faces charges under the special law concerning the May 18th Democratic Uprising.

According to the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency, the man is accused of posting content on social media on April 19th. His posts allegedly described the Gwangju Uprising as a "riot incited by spies, with some Gwangju citizens being instigated." He further claimed it was "definitely a riot caused by North Korean spies" and demanded the release of the list of participants.

Police concluded that the man fabricated and spread provocative, unsubstantiated statements without verifying the historical facts of the May 18th Uprising. This action was deemed to have spread misinformation to an unspecified number of people. A police official stated that they will enhance monitoring of malicious distortions of historical facts and the spread of false information that incites social conflict online.

The special law regarding the May 18th Democratic Uprising stipulates penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won for those who spread false information about the event through information and communication networks. Authorities have vowed to strictly punish offenders under a zero-tolerance policy.