Daegum, Strict Response to Crimes Against 'Socially Vulnerable' Groups... Concurrent Support for Disabled Persons

Strengthening Rights of Hearing-Impaired in Criminal Procedures... Establishment of 'Sign Language Interpreter' Operation Regulations
Improvement and Maintenance of Investigation Rooms, Passageways, and Convenience Facilities for Disabled Visitors at the Prosecutor's Office

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has issued directives to strictly respond to crimes against socially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and to strengthen the protection and support for victims.

On the 15th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office instructed local prosecutors' offices to strictly respond to crimes targeting socially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and to promptly and comprehensively enhance protection and support for victims.

To strengthen the criminal procedure rights of the hearing impaired, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office newly established the "Sign Language Interpreter Operation Regulations" and, in cooperation with the Korea Association of the Deaf, designated and operated sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired at each level of prosecution offices.

In addition, when a person with developmental disabilities is a victim, a dedicated prosecutor for developmental disabilities designated at local prosecutors' offices is to coordinate with probation offices and developmental disability support centers to establish and implement victim support plans in accordance with relevant laws. They will provide guidance and support for welfare services throughout the life cycle, such as linkage to educational facilities, activity assistance, and employment support.

Furthermore, if a person with developmental disabilities is booked as a suspect, appropriate disposition will be made through the collection of specialized sentencing materials.

Facilities such as investigation rooms, passageways, and convenience facilities will also be improved to ensure that persons with disabilities visiting the prosecutors' offices can use the facilities safely. This year, disability investigation rooms will be newly established in 10 prosecutors' offices nationwide, and next year in 8 more. By next year, assistive devices such as wheelchairs will be deployed in 60 prosecutors' offices. Braille blocks and signboards will also be installed.

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