Special Investigation into Late Lee Yeram, Air Force Chief Jeon Ik-su Questioned for 13 Hours... Recalled on 27th

[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 Ye-ram, questioned former Air Force Legal Office Chief Jeon Ik-su (52, Brigadier General) for about 13 hours on charges of directing a negligent initial investigation.

According to the legal community on the 25th, Jeon appeared at the special prosecutor's office in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, at 1:27 p.m. the previous day and was questioned until 2:20 a.m. the following morning before returning home. The special investigation team reportedly questioned Jeon about the reports he received from the military prosecution regarding Sergeant Lee's sexual harassment case and the specific process of directing the investigation. Jeon denied the charges, stating that he acted according to the law and did not abuse his authority or neglect his duties.

Regarding allegations raised by some that the Air Force Legal Office attempted to cover up the investigation, Jeon reportedly testified that there were no issues during the investigation process. In particular, he is said to have used the fact that the recorded conversation, which was the basis for the suspicion that he ordered the sexual violence perpetrator to be investigated without detention, was fabricated as a defense.

Jeon is accused of directing the military prosecution's negligent initial investigation (abuse of authority and neglect of duty) when the incident occurred in March last year. The family of Sergeant Lee claims that due to Jeon's poor investigation leadership, secondary damage occurred, which ultimately led Sergeant Lee to take her own life.

The special investigation team plans to summon Jeon again at 2 p.m. on the 27th for additional questioning. After completing Jeon's investigation, the special investigation is expected to enter its final phase. The investigation deadline set by the Special Prosecutor Act is until the 12th of next month. The special investigation team is expected to organize the investigation contents so far and decide on the indictment targets and the final charges to be applied.

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