10-year term for burning a landmark
A South Korean court sentenced an elderly man to 10 years in prison today for setting a fire that destroyed a 14th century gate in Seoul considered one of the country’s most treasured landmarks.
The February blaze at Namdaemun gate horrified South Koreans and drew international attention. The gate once formed part of a wall that encircled the capital.
Chae Jong-ki, 69, was convicted under the Cultural Properties Protection Law. He admitted that he set the fire in anger over a land dispute unrelated to the landmark.
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