Statement Released... "Punish Those Responsible and Establish Measures to Prevent Recurrence"
The Gwangju City Council urged on the 28th, "The government must thoroughly investigate the Itaewon disaster and establish measures to prevent its recurrence."
In a statement issued under the name of "All Council Members," the Gwangju City Council said, "We remember the pain of the Itaewon disaster on October 29, 2022, which took 159 precious lives, and express our condolences to the victims and the families who are still suffering," adding, "Although two years have passed since the disaster, the investigation and punishment of those responsible have yet to be carried out."
It continued, "On the 30th of last month, the first trial acquitted the Yongsan District Mayor and the former Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief, who were prosecuted for inadequate response," and stated, "This failed to meet the public's expectation for holding those responsible accountable and regrettably ignored the pain of the victims and the wounds of their families."
The City Council expressed hope that "With the enactment of the 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act' and the belated launch of the Special Investigation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Special Committee), the truth of the disaster will be uncovered and measures to prevent similar incidents will be established," emphasizing, "Such tragedies can happen anywhere and to anyone. The state must fulfill its responsibility and duty to protect the safety and lives of its citizens."
Meanwhile, the City Council urged, "The government should actively support the Special Committee's investigation activities to proceed smoothly and prepare effective measures to ensure that a national disaster does not occur again," and requested, "Gwangju City should also do its best in advance safety inspections and on-site safety management in areas with a high risk of crowding, such as the opening of the Mudeungsan summit and Halloween events."
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