Ministry of National Defense Prosecution Unit Conducts Search and Seizure of Air Force Prosecution Office

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[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 9th, the Ministry of National Defense Prosecution Unit and Investigation Headquarters conducted a search and seizure of the Air Force prosecution, which is considered the core of the inadequate investigation related to the death of an Air Force non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment.

The Ministry of National Defense announced that "the military prosecution of the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing, the prosecution department of the Air Force Headquarters, and the Human Rights Narae Center within the Legal Affairs Office of the Air Force Headquarters are currently being searched and seized." This search and seizure aims to verify the facts regarding the inadequate investigation by the 20th Fighter Wing military prosecutor, dereliction of duty by the court-appointed defense attorney, and leakage of the victim's personal information. The family of the victim, Staff Sergeant Lee, submitted a complaint to the prosecution unit on the 7th, stating that the court-appointed defense attorney Mr. A did not properly perform his role, including not meeting the victim even once, and there are circumstances suggesting that the deceased's personal information was leaked.

Meanwhile, Minister of National Defense Seo Wook expressed a public apology 18 days after the incident during the National Assembly Defense Committee plenary session held on the morning of the same day, saying, "I deeply apologize for causing great concern to the bereaved family and the public due to the recent death of the Air Force sexual harassment victim," and "As the Minister of National Defense, I feel a heavy responsibility." Minister Seo stated, "Since the Ministry of National Defense has taken over the case and is conducting the investigation, regardless of rank or position, we will thoroughly investigate all areas, including attempts to induce concealment and secondary harm, and handle the matter strictly."

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