[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] On the 8th, a video was released showing a couple, an aunt and uncle, who brutally abused their 10-year-old niece, claiming she was possessed by a ghost, violently beating her and forcibly putting her into a bathtub filled with water as a form of 'water torture,' which led to her death. The video also revealed horrific and bizarre acts of abuse, including forcing the victim to eat dog feces.
At the third trial held on the same day at the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 15 (Chief Judge Jo Hyu-ok), prosecutor Park Sang-yong (38th Judicial Research and Training Institute) presented 13 videos directly recorded by Aunt A (34, shaman) and Uncle B (33, traditional Korean musician) showing the abuse of their niece C (10 years old).
The videos contained footage of abuse from January 16 until the day of C’s death on February 8.
The prosecution selected representative charges against couple A and played the videos in court while explaining the allegations during the trial.
The prosecution stated, "The expert witness in this case opined that 'the last part of the video shows C being beaten almost to death and subjected to water torture several times before dying. Considering this, even if she had been taken to a hospital, the chances of survival would have been low.'"
Some spectators expressed their anger after the trial by shouting "Execute them" toward the defendants.
The next trial is scheduled for the 8th of next month.
Meanwhile, C’s biological mother submitted a settlement agreement to the court on the 31st of last month.
The prosecution is currently investigating C’s biological mother on charges including violation of the Child Welfare Act (neglect). After indictment, her case may be consolidated with this trial, but any settlement made between defendants in the same case holds little significance.
C’s biological father, who can be considered another victim in this case along with the deceased C, has submitted a petition requesting severe punishment for A and B.
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