Installation of Video Recording and Audio Devices Under Conference Tables
A tissue box containing a small camera placed in the women's staff restroom by the principal. / Photo by Gyeonggi Teachers' Union
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] The prosecution has requested a two-year prison sentence for the principal of a school in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, who was put on trial for installing an illegal camera in the women's restroom of the elementary school where he worked.
At the sentencing hearing held on the 21st at the Anyang branch of Suwon District Court, Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Kim Junyoung), the prosecution requested a two-year prison sentence and a five-year employment restriction order at child-related institutions for Principal A (57), who was indicted on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (illegal filming using a camera, intrusion into multi-use places for sexual purposes).
On October 26-27 of last year, A hid a small camera under a folded tissue near the toilet in the women's restroom of the school to film women.
Additionally, from June to October of the same year, he is accused of secretly installing a mobile phone with video recording mode turned on under a conference table 21 times to film the body parts of staff members or attempting to do so.
Furthermore, from September to October of the same year, he is also accused of installing a small voice recorder in the teachers' office 11 times to listen to private conversations between others without their consent.
The crime was discovered when a staff member who was about to use the women's restroom found the small camera near the toilet and reported it to the school. After confirming A's criminal acts, the police urgently arrested him on October 28 of last year.
In his final statement, A said, "I forgot my duty as the head of the school and committed a very shameful act. It pains me that education officials who are doing their best at the school site are being blamed due to my personal misconduct. I sincerely apologize to the victims and their families who have suffered great pain and wounds, and I want to do my best to help them recover their daily lives. I am sorry."
The sentencing trial for A will be held on the 18th of next month.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
