Special Investigation Team for Late Lee Yeram Requests 30-Day Extension of Investigation Period

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Ahn Mi-young (56, 25th Judicial Research and Training Institute), investigating the death of the late Air Force Sergeant Lee Yeram, requested a 30-day extension of the investigation period from President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 3rd.

The special investigation team began the investigation on June 5, and the initial investigation period will expire on the 13th, marking the 70th day. If President Yoon approves the special investigation team's request, the investigation can be extended until September 12. The special prosecutor can extend the period by up to 30 days with the president's approval if the investigation is not completed.

The special investigation team explained, "So far, we have conducted searches and seizures on the Ministry of National Defense, Air Force Headquarters, and flying units, and summoned and investigated more than 80 people related to the case, conducting a wide-ranging investigation of the case." They added, "We requested an extension of the investigation period to thoroughly uncover the truth through additional summons and continuous evidence analysis of related persons."

The special investigation team has so far conducted searches and seizures at more than 30 locations, including the Air Force Headquarters, the Military Court and Prosecutor's Office of the Ministry of National Defense, the 20th Fighter Wing, and the 15th Special Mission Wing where Sergeant Lee served during her lifetime, securing related materials.

Additionally, they have continued investigations into the inadequate investigation, secondary victimization, and allegations of cover-up surrounding Sergeant Lee's death by summoning and investigating more than 80 related persons.

However, it is reported that the suspect interrogation of Jeon Ik-su, Air Force Legal Office Chief (52, Brigadier General), who was pointed out by Sergeant Lee’s bereaved family and the Military Human Rights Center as responsible for the inadequate initial investigation, has not yet been conducted. A 'psychological autopsy' to determine the cause of Sergeant Lee's extreme choice is also underway, so it seems more time is needed before the investigation results, including whether to indict the key suspect, are released.

Sergeant Lee, who belonged to the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing, was sexually harassed by a senior non-commissioned officer in March last year and reported it, but she took her own life on May 21 of the same year while the military prosecution investigation was ongoing. The Ministry of National Defense, which investigated the case, filed criminal charges against a total of 25 people and prosecuted 15 in October last year, but the command, including Chief Jeon who supervised and directed the military police, military prosecutors, and military prosecution of the 20th Fighter Wing responsible for the initial investigation, was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence, causing controversy.

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