THE Grace Road Group believes a Korean court’s decision to place Grace Road Church leader the Rev Shin Ok-joo behind bars is a “grave miscarriage of justice”.
Shin was jailed for six years in South Korea for detaining followers in Fiji and subjecting them to violence.
Responding to questions from this newspaper yesterday, Grace Road Fiji public relations manager Grace Park said the company in Fiji disagreed and rejected the decision of the Anyang sub-court in the Suwon District Court in South Korea.
“We have taken immediate steps to appeal this lower district court’s decision to have the higher court properly and carefully review the facts and to reverse the lower court’s decision,” Ms Park said.
“The matter is still before the courts, and therefore sub judice — the high courts of Korea will review the entire decision and the findings to be correctly established. “It is believed that the decision has been a grave miscarriage of justice.”
In a statement on Monday, the Anyang sub-court said Shin had absolute authority over her followers and all criminal acts “including ground thrashing were unable to be carried out without her directions.
Her responsibility is very heavy”.
Ms Park said Grace Road assured its customers and business associates in Fiji that they would continue with business as usual despite the court’s decision.
“The district court’s decision, which is under appeal to the high courts, does not have any impact nor adverse effect on the group’s activities in Fiji,” she said.
Meanwhile, a leading Hong Kong newspaper —the South China Morning Post — reported that church followers had protested angrily after Shin was handed her jail sentence.
It reported a female follower shouting at journalists: “This is outrageous! Tell them (the victims) to stop lying. Knock it off! We are all angry.”
The Korean embassy in Fiji said it was closely working with the Fijian Government and “we will take any necessary measures”.
Shin was arrested with three others when they arrived in Seoul in August last year.
