'Air Force NCO Sexual Harassment' Suspect Transferred to Defense Ministry Prosecutors

Master Sergeant Jang, accused of sexually harassing a female Air Force non-commissioned officer, is being escorted to the Military Court of the Ministry of National Defense on the evening of the 2nd for a detention warrant hearing.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] In connection with the death of a female non-commissioned officer (NCO) who was a victim of sexual harassment, Master Sergeant Jang, accused of sexually harassing the female NCO, was escorted to the Ministry of National Defense Ordinary Military Court for a detention warrant hearing.

At around 7:50 p.m. on the 2nd, Master Sergeant Jang arrived at the Ministry of National Defense Prosecutor's Office and Ordinary Military Court building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, by escort vehicle. Bowing his head and hesitating briefly before getting out, he was dressed in combat uniform with his hat pulled down.

He did not respond to reporters' questions such as "Do you feel any remorse toward the victim?" and "This might be your last chance; do you have anything to say?" Instead, he entered the small courtroom inside the court building without speaking.

The prosecution requested a detention warrant for the accused Master Sergeant Jang on the same day. The decision on detention is expected to be made late tonight.

Earlier, Sergeant A, who reported being sexually harassed by a senior NCO in March, was found dead in her quarters on the 22nd of last month. The bereaved family claims that "the Air Force's systematic attempts to coax and cover up ultimately drove our daughter to death," and they have postponed the funeral for 12 days, demanding a thorough investigation.

Despite receiving the report, the military authorities had not properly investigated the case. After Sergeant A's death caused a public outcry, on the 1st of this month, the case was transferred from the Air Force to the military prosecution, and a reinvestigation was launched.