Truck Driver Gets Suspended Sentence for Fatally Hitting Union Member at Protest

A truck driver has been handed a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of a Cargo Workers' Union member by striking him with his truck during a protest. The Jinju branch of the Changwon District Court ruled on Thursday, sentencing the 40-year-old non-union driver to a prison term suspended for two years on charges including causing death by injury. The court determined there was no malicious intent behind the driver's actions.

The incident occurred on April 20, when the driver attempted to exit the BGF Logistics Gyeongnam CU Jinju Logistics Center. Union members had gathered to protest and blocked the center's main gate. As the truck proceeded, union members, including the deceased, swarmed the vehicle to stop it. Despite witnessing the situation, the driver did not immediately halt.

Prosecutors had accused the driver of intentionally accelerating and hitting the 50-year-old victim, identified as Mr. Song, who was attempting to block the truck's windshield. The collision forced Mr. Song to move aside. Another union member, Mr. Jo, was injured as he tried to evade the truck. The driver was also charged with injuring Mr. Jo and another individual. However, the court's decision to grant a suspended sentence reflects its assessment that the driver's actions, while resulting in a fatality, were not premeditated murder but occurred amidst a volatile and obstructing protest.