"Defamation of Complainant's Expression" Civic Group Files Complaint Against Representative Lee Hae-chan (Update)

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is listening to a speech at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 15th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who referred to the accuser in the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's sexual harassment case as a 'victim complainant' instead of 'victim,' has been reported to the prosecution on charges of defamation.

On the morning of the 16th, the Action Alliance for the Restoration of the Rule of Law (Beopse-ryeon) submitted a complaint to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, stating, "Referring to the victim as a victim complainant in a public place defamed the victim's honor."

Beopse-ryeon pointed out, "The term 'victim complainant' implies a negative meaning that the victim only unilaterally claims the damage and cannot acknowledge the sexual violence by the late mayor Park."

They added, "Considering various evidence, it is clear that the accuser is a 'victim' who was sexually harassed by the late Mayor Park," and "Lee Hae-chan's expression of the victim as a 'victim complainant' constitutes spreading false information and may infringe on the victim's social value or evaluation."

Furthermore, "The leader is mocking the people and killing the victim twice with selective victim-centeredness that changes depending on whose side the perpetrator is on," and "Due to the secondary harm caused by the term 'victim complainant,' the victim is suffering severe pain. We strongly urge a thorough investigation into Lee's defamation charges and strict punishment," they added.

Earlier, on the 15th, Lee apologized for the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park, saying, "I offer my deep condolences for the pain experienced by the victim complainant and, as the leader of the Democratic Party, I once again express my sincere apology," and "I deeply regret causing great disappointment to the public and the administrative vacuum that occurred."

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