Two Military Police Officers Recommended for Non-Prosecution in Air Force Female Sergeant's Inadequate Investigation Case

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[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Military Prosecutor's Investigation Review Committee, composed of civilian experts, recommended non-prosecution for two Air Force military police officers who were booked on charges of inadequate investigation related to the death of a non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 11th, the 7th meeting of the Investigation Review Committee held the previous afternoon resolved a non-prosecution opinion regarding Lieutenant A, the investigation section chief of the Military Police Battalion of the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing, and Lieutenant Colonel B, the battalion commander, on charges including dereliction of duty related to the initial investigation.

It was reported that the military prosecution requested the review committee to deliberate with a prosecution opinion for Lieutenant A and a non-prosecution opinion for Lieutenant Colonel B, but the committee decided on non-prosecution for both and only resolved to request disciplinary action through notification of misconduct.

The Ministry of National Defense stated that the Investigation Review Committee, after discussions based on the opinions of the military prosecution, the accused, and the bereaved family, judged that it was difficult to recognize the establishment of criminal charges such as dereliction of duty against them.

They are accused of inadequate investigation (dereliction of duty), such as preparing a report on March 5th that included a "non-detention opinion" on Sergeant Jang, the perpetrator, after only investigating the victim.

In particular, a dedicated investigator dispatched from the Air Force Headquarters conveyed to Lieutenant A on the 7th of the same month that "the degree of forced molestation is very severe and consideration of a detention warrant application is possible," but the next day, Lieutenant Colonel B reportedly maintained the non-detention investigation policy in reports to the 20th Fighter Wing Commander and the Air Force Headquarters Military Police Corps.

The results of the review by the Investigation Committee are delivered to the Ministry of National Defense prosecution team in the form of an opinion letter, and since the prosecution team plans to respect the review opinion in its disposition, the military police of the 20th Fighter Wing who were in charge of the initial investigation are likely to avoid criminal punishment.

Meanwhile, the Investigation Review Committee resolved with a prosecution opinion on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of exercise of rights against Colonel C and Lieutenant Colonel D of the Public Affairs and Information Office of the Air Force Headquarters, who had unnecessary contact with persons involved in the case.

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "We will continue to conduct major investigations related to this case through the committee's review to enhance the transparency and fairness of investigations."

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