3 Months Left Until the End of the Investigation Committee's Activities: 'Status Check'
Concerns Over Insufficient Activity and Community Worries Conveyed
There are opinions that the activities of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Truth Investigation Commission, which has only three months left until the deadline for the end of the truth investigation activities (ending on December 26), are falling far short of the expectations of the local community.
According to the 5·18 Special Committee of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Chairperson Assemblymember Jeong Da-eun) on the 7th, a discussion meeting related to the 5·18 truth investigation was held yesterday afternoon in the large conference room on the 4th floor of the Gwangju City Council.
This discussion meeting was organized to assess the current status as the deadline for the activities of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Truth Investigation Commission, which was launched to meet the national expectation of ‘May truth investigation,’ approaches in three months.
At this meeting attended by nine special committee members including Chairperson Jeong Da-eun, the assemblymembers conveyed the local community’s concerns about the insufficiency of the truth investigation activities.
Chairperson Song Seon-tae acknowledged that “the investigation activities have been delayed due to various circumstances” and admitted limitations in activities regarding ▲ insufficient investigation of perpetrators and victims (85% of perpetrators refused investigation) ▲ no investigation related to the 5·18 truth investigation struggle, the struggle to inherit the spirit, and the struggle for U.S. responsibility ▲ insufficient investigation of surrounding countries such as the U.S. and Japan ▲ issues related to the missing persons ▲ establishment of a monitoring system for the implementation of government recommendations.
Three non-standing members of the investigation commission from the Gwangju area who attended the meeting also expressed concerns, questioning whether the commission can produce the results expected by citizens and the public as the deadline approaches with investigation activities still insufficient.
Myung Jin, vice-chairperson of the 5·18 Special Committee, pointed out, “Although we will have to wait for the final report to know for sure, based on the investigation contents and activities so far, it falls far short of the civic expectation of uncovering the substantive truth,” adding, “In particular, it is a major problem that not a single hearing with the parties involved, as stipulated by law, was held before ending the investigation activities.”
Chairperson Jeong Da-eun said, “It is very regrettable to confirm the limitations and problems of the investigation activities at a time when the end of the investigation activities is imminent,” and urged, “Please do your best to achieve results in the remaining period.”
During the meeting, about ten mothers who guard the provincial government building participated in the conference room, creating a moment of tension, but they silently conveyed the concerns and interest of the May parties regarding the commission’s activities and stayed until the end.
Meanwhile, the commission was formed on December 27, 2019, with nine members (three standing, six non-standing) and was launched as a temporary organization under a special law. Based on investigative authority, 75 full-time personnel have been continuing the May truth investigation work for four years until December 26, 2023.
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