Citizens' Group for Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule Holds Press Conference
Criticizes Supreme Court for Delaying Rulings on Forced Labor Victims
Questions the Court's "Selective Justice" and Constitutional Responsibility
On the 8th, the Citizens' Group for Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule held a press conference titled 'Condemnation of Trial Delays and the Supreme Court's Selective Justice' at the Citizens Communication Office of Gwangju City Council. Photo by Citizens' Group for Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule
A support group for victims of forced labor under Japanese rule has criticized the Supreme Court for pushing ahead only with certain political issues, while leaving the special cash liquidation order pending for a third consecutive year.
On the morning of the 8th, the Citizens' Group for Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule held a press conference at the Gwangju City Council, stating, "We condemn the Supreme Court for repeatedly delaying rulings on cases related to forced labor victims, while actively intervening and expediting certain political issues." "We question the very purpose of the highest court in Korea, which displays this kind of 'selective justice,'" the group added.
The group went on to say, "Currently, the Supreme Court is sitting on two cases regarding Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' trademark rights related to the case of Yang Geumdeok, a victim of the labor mobilization, and one case involving the forced sale of PNR shares owned by Nippon Steel in connection with the case of Lee Chunshik, another forced labor victim." The group criticized, "In the case of Ms. Yang, a ruling has not been issued even after three years."
They further emphasized, "While the Supreme Court processed a remand verdict overturning an existing ruling in an unusually short period of nine days, it continues to let the cases of forced labor victims languish. This amounts to the Supreme Court remaining silent on state violence committed against forced labor victims and abandoning its constitutional duty."
Additionally, the group pointed out, "By delaying its rulings, the Supreme Court has effectively provided an excellent 'safe haven' for war criminal companies. The Supreme Court repeatedly postpones judgments on public values related to historical justice, but actively intervenes and pushes ahead with unusual speed only in sensitive political issues. Witnessing this 'selective justice,' we cannot help but question the very reason for its existence."
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