Ayung Still Unconscious... Nurse Denies Injury Charges

On the 24th, Ayoung attended the 4th trial held at the 6th Criminal Division of the Busan District Court with a ventilator. Photo by KNN

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] The fourth trial of the so-called 'Ayoung Incident,' in which a newborn baby just five days old was dropped on the floor and rendered unconscious in a neonatal unit of an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Busan, was held on the 24th. On this day, the victim child, Ayoung, appeared in court for the first time.

The fourth trial held at the Busan District Court's 6th Criminal Division saw Ayoung attend with an artificial respirator, accompanied by her parents who were called as witnesses. Nurse A (40), the accused who is currently detained, could not attend due to a COVID-19 case at the detention center.

Ayoung's father said, "Both my wife and I were called as witnesses, and we were anxious to leave Ayoung alone, so we brought her along," adding, "Based on what has been done so far, it seems unlikely there will be any change in the nurse's side's position. However, I hope they feel more remorse."

The nurse's side reportedly still admits to some charges of child abuse but denies the charges of professional negligence causing injury. The hospital director, who was also indicted, denies the allegations, stating, "We installed the closed-circuit television (CCTV) as instructed, and complied fully with nurses' job training and child abuse prevention education regulations."

During the trial, testimony was given that it would have been difficult for Ayoung to be asymptomatic when she sustained a skull fracture. It was also confirmed that the doctor's diagnosis the day after the accident was based on the nursing log written the previous day. In earlier trials, there was testimony that the nurse requested the on-duty doctor to check Ayoung's condition on the day of the accident.

For the first time in court, Ayoung's father spoke, urging strict punishment for those responsible, saying, "If the hospital had managed properly, the one-month footage, which was recorded for only a short time, would not have shown 24 instances of continuous abuse, and it could have been prevented in advance."

Nurse A is accused of abusing Ayoung from October 5 to 20, 2019, in the neonatal unit of an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Busan by grabbing Ayoung's leg with one hand, lifting her upside down, and shaking her. She is also charged with professional negligence causing injury for dropping Ayoung on the floor, resulting in a skull fracture and other injuries.

The next trial, focusing on the investigation of CCTV evidence, is scheduled for the 20th of next month.