Morse Tan faces criminal defamation trial in South Korea

Morse Tan, a former U.S. ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, has gone on trial in South Korea facing criminal defamation charges. The charges stem from comments Tan made on American soil regarding South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Tan, a former law school dean at Liberty University, was previously prevented from leaving South Korea by courts citing him as a flight risk. His legal counsel has sought a dismissal of the indictment, arguing that South Korean courts lack jurisdiction over a U.S. citizen for speech made within the United States. The defense further contends there was no intent to defame or disclosure of false facts.

The case has drawn attention from federal lawmakers and the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, who are calling for diplomatic action and increased scrutiny regarding the treatment of an American citizen over political speech.