The Constitutional Court ruled that it is legal to criminally punish conscientious objectors to military service.
The Constitutional Court ruled that it is legal to criminally punish conscientious objectors to military service.
It was in line with its two previous rulings over the highly disputed issue. The nine-judge panel voted four to four.
One judge rejected making a judgment for procedural reasons. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve around two years in the military.
Cases related to conscientious objectors in Korea have resulted in mixed rulings in lower and appellate courts since 2004.
But those who were found innocent were all overturned and convicted by the top court.
The court, however, found that not allowing alternative measures for military service objectors does not conform to the Constitution.
It was in line with its two previous rulings over the highly disputed issue. The nine-judge panel voted four to four.
One judge rejected making a judgment for procedural reasons. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve around two years in the military.
Cases related to conscientious objectors in Korea have resulted in mixed rulings in lower and appellate courts since 2004.
But those who were found innocent were all overturned and convicted by the top court.
The court, however, found that not allowing alternative measures for military service objectors does not conform to the Constitution.
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