Investigation Deliberation Committee Begins Review Starting with Female Sergeant Case

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense will activate the 'Military Prosecutor Investigation Deliberation Committee,' composed of civilian experts, starting from the 11th. This is the first time the military is operating an investigation deliberation committee similar to a civilian prosecutor, and it will also review the case of the female Air Force non-commissioned officer who died after sexual harassment.

On the 10th, the Ministry of National Defense stated in the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's 'Military Court Current Issues Report' that "the first Military Prosecutor Investigation Deliberation Committee will be operated from the 11th," and "it will review the appropriateness of the investigation by the Ministry of National Defense prosecution team and whether to file charges regarding the sexual harassment death case of the female Air Force non-commissioned officer."

The investigation deliberation committee includes about ten civilian experts from the legal profession, academia, civic groups, and the media who participate in and advise on the investigation process. Experts related to sexual violence and sex crimes, who will provide professional advice on uncovering the substantive truth of sexual violence crime investigations and protecting victims, are also included as committee members.

Meanwhile, in the report to the Judiciary Committee on the same day, the Ministry of National Defense revised the statement to say, "Among the perpetrators, the sergeant forcibly molested the female sergeant who was riding in the vehicle," deleting the part about the 'drinking party.'

Regarding the victim's petition leave (until May 2), taken on March 4, two days after the sexual harassment incident, the Ministry initially did not specify the 'leave area' but added the phrase "residing in the 20th unit's quarters" in this Judiciary Committee report.

This appears to have been added belatedly after suspicions arose that the Ministry concealed the fact that no separation measures were taken to keep the victim and perpetrator in the same unit, as if such measures had been implemented.