Disability organizations have expressed self-reflection regarding allegations that a physically disabled principal of a special education institution in North Chungcheong Province, who also serves as an executive at an independent living center, repeatedly raped a severely intellectually disabled individual, and that his wife, the center director, concealed the crime.
On November 7, Yonhap News reported, citing a joint statement from the Gender Equality Committee of the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination, the North Chungcheong Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination, and the National Association of Night Schools for the Disabled. The organizations stated, "We feel deep shame and an overwhelming sense of responsibility over this shocking incident," and added, "We sincerely apologize to the victim and the public."
Exterior view of Cheongju District Court Yeongdong Branch, which dismissed the warrant. Photo by Yonhap News
They also conveyed the activists' sense of distress. The organizations said, "Because the suspect has been active for a long time in local disability organizations and civic groups, the devastation and embarrassment felt by all activists involved are beyond words. This case has exposed the structural violence stemming from internal hierarchies and a lack of gender sensitivity within the disability rights movement."
There have also been allegations that the independent living center, where the suspect's wife serves as director, ignored the victim's pleas for help. Regarding this, the organizations stated, "The center director only told those around her that her husband suddenly stopped working for 'personal reasons.' We believe the center essentially attempted to cover up the case, and we are taking the situation very seriously."
Previously, the suspect, identified as A, a man in his 50s with a physical disability affecting his arm, was accused of repeatedly raping B, a woman in her 20s with a severe intellectual disability, over the course of a year at both the educational institution where he served as principal and the independent living center.
The center is currently under an on-site inspection by North Chungcheong Province authorities due to allegations that it ignored a report from B’s support worker in July about B’s claims of sexual assault. Police launched an investigation in September after receiving a report from the psychiatric facility where B was treated. The court later dismissed the warrant, citing reasons such as a lack of flight risk.
The North Chungcheong Disability Rights Advocacy Agency is reportedly preparing to file a complaint soon, alleging that A also committed indecent assault against B’s older sister, who is also severely intellectually disabled.
A representative of the North Chungcheong Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination told Yonhap News, "It appears that a significant number of activists within the center were aware of the case beforehand." The representative added, "We plan to soon form an emergency response committee to investigate the circumstances behind the center’s concealment of the case and to take disciplinary action against the suspect and others in accordance with our regulations."
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