This graphic image by Yonhap News depicts a violation of South Korea's quarantine rules
A Seoul court has slapped a South Korean football player with a fine for violating mandatory self-quarantine rules imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The Seoul Western District Court on Thursday ordered the athlete to pay a fine of 7 million won for breaching the law on prevention and control of infectious diseases.
The footballer, only known by his surname Lee, originally plays in the Austrian league.
He returned to South Korea in March due to the pandemic and was ordered to self-isolate at home for two weeks, but was found to have left his designated residence five times during the period.
The prosecution had sought a one-year jail term and a fine of 3 million won for the footballer.
The court said the accused repeatedly violated the quarantine rules despite the high possibility he could inflict damage on society amid the pandemic, however, it also took into consideration that it was his first breach of the law and he tested negative for the virus.
Under the country's Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, all overseas arrivals are required to quarantine for 14 days.
Violators can be jailed for less than a year or fined up to 10 million won, among other penalties.
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