[2020 National Audit] Jo Doo-soon to be released in two months... Can't impose victim contact ban or alcohol restrictions?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As the release of Jo Doo-soon approaches this December amid high public anxiety, concerns have been raised that it is practically difficult to impose compliance requirements such as victim contact prohibition, alcohol restrictions, and nighttime curfews on Jo Doo-soon.

On the 8th, Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party, stated that the Ministry of Justice should prepare thorough evidence and promptly apply to the court to add compliance requirements under the Electronic Monitoring Device Act.

When the court ruled on Jo Doo-soon in 2009, it ordered the attachment of an electronic monitoring device but did not impose compliance requirements such as victim contact prohibition, alcohol restrictions, nighttime curfews, or bans on entering specific areas and locations.

Although the Ministry of Justice has introduced measures such as designating a dedicated probation officer for one-on-one supervision and deploying a dedicated team for the residential area, it is pointed out that without practical behavioral restriction measures in the form of compliance requirements, there are inherent limitations in preventing recidivism.

The problem is that imposing compliance orders on Jo Doo-soon is by no means easy. The Ministry of Justice is considering promoting the 'addition of compliance requirements,' but when no compliance requirements were imposed at the time of the court ruling, the court decides on the addition of compliance requirements only upon the probation office chief's application and the prosecutor's request if the monitored person violates reporting obligations, residential restrictions, or if there is a change in circumstances.

In other words, after Jo Doo-soon's release, the court can decide to add compliance requirements only if there is a significant reason such as violations like residential area breaches while wearing the electronic device or special changes in circumstances.

Representative Yoo stated that to impose strict compliance orders before or immediately after Jo Doo-soon's release, the Ministry of Justice must closely review analyses of Jo Doo-soon's criminal methods and psychological treatment results and promptly apply to the court to impose compliance requirements.

Representative Yoo said, "The public anxiety and victim protection regarding Jo Doo-soon correspond to 'cases of change in circumstances' that allow adding compliance requirements under the Electronic Monitoring Device Act," adding, "The Ministry of Justice should thoroughly analyze Jo Doo-soon's criminal methods and risk of recidivism and apply to the court for compliance requirements as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.