Assaults on Sanitation Workers and "Martial Law Games"
Detention Decision Expected Later Today
A public official from Yangyang County, who is suspected of abuse of power, is leaving after completing the pre-trial detention hearing at the Sokcho branch of Chuncheon District Court on the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News.
An official from Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, who appeared for a pre-trial detention hearing over allegations of abuse of power against sanitation workers, completed the review in just 30 minutes and was transferred to the Sokcho Police Station detention center.
On December 5, the Chuncheon District Court Sokcho Branch held a pre-trial detention hearing (warrant review) for Mr. A, a level 7 driver employed by Yangyang County, who has been requested for arrest on charges including coercion. Mr. A, who appeared for the hearing at around 1:25 p.m., covered his face with a hat and entered the courthouse accompanied by his attorney.
Mr. A did not respond to reporters’ questions such as, "Do you still think this was just a joke?", "What do you think about the victims whose contracts are about to expire?", "Is there anything you want to say to the victims?", and "Do you admit to the charges?"
The hearing began at 2:00 p.m. and lasted for about 30 minutes. At around 2:30 p.m., Mr. A left the courthouse without making any statement and boarded the escort vehicle. He will remain in custody at the Sokcho Police Station detention center until a decision is made on whether to issue the arrest warrant. The decision is expected to be made later in the day.
Mr. A is accused of workplace harassment, including assault and coercion, against sanitation workers who are public employees and contract workers. He allegedly engaged in so-called "martial law games," used violence, forced workers to run after leaving them behind when departing in a garbage truck, and compelled them to wear underwear of a specific color.
It has also been reported that when Mr. A suffered losses in stock trading, the worker who lost at rock-paper-scissors was assaulted, and workers were forced to trade stocks that Mr. A had invested in.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
