Relatives of Victims in An Indeuk Arson-Murder File Compensation Lawsuit Against the State

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The bereaved families of the victims of the arson-murderer 'An Indeuk case,' who set fire to an apartment in Jinju, Gyeongnam in 2019 causing over 20 casualties, are filing a damages claim lawsuit against the state.

The law firm 'Law and Healing' and the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association held an online press conference on the afternoon of the 26th, announcing, "We are filing a lawsuit against the state on behalf of the bereaved families of the Jinju arson murder victims."

Two plaintiffs, including Mr. A and his wife, have filed the claim, but the amount has not been disclosed. The complaint is scheduled to be submitted to the Seoul Central District Court next week. According to the attorneys, Mr. A lost his mother and daughter in An's crime on April 17, 2019.

The plaintiffs stated, "The core of this trial is to clarify the illegality of the police's omission of duty and the causal relationship to the crime." They argue that although An had caused disturbances several times before the crime, and the police responded each time, they failed to take proper measures according to the manual and responded complacently, which ultimately led to the tragedy.

An was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court for setting fire to his apartment in Jinju, Gyeongnam in 2019 and attacking residents who were evacuating with a weapon.