Special Investigation Team Requests 2-Year Prison Sentence for Second Defamer in Honor Case of Late Sergeant Lee Yeram

Last Year, Supreme Court Confirmed 7-Year Prison Sentence for Forced Molestation Charge

In June 2021, Sergeant Jangmo appeared at the warrant hearing with his head bowed.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, legal affairs specialist] The special prosecution team led by Ahn Mi-young requested a two-year prison sentence in the defamation trial of the perpetrator who was convicted last year for forcibly molesting the late Sergeant Lee Ye-ram.

On the 9th, during the sentencing hearing of Sergeant Jang (26) held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26 (Presiding Judge Jung Jin-ah), the special prosecution team asked the court to "sentence the defendant to two years in prison."

The prosecution team pointed out, "Sergeant Jang damaged the victim's honor by spreading false information that gave the impression he was unfairly reported after the crime," adding, "This act, intended to downplay and conceal the crime, is a typical case of secondary victimization."

The lawyer representing Sergeant Lee's bereaved family, given the opportunity to speak, stated, "The spread of Sergeant Lee's victimization within the unit and the direct superiors' pressure to settle were decisively influenced by Sergeant Jang's statements," and requested "strict punishment."

Sergeant Lee's father, also given the chance to speak, appealed, "During the 82 days after the sexual harassment incident while Ye-ram was dying, no one held her hand even once, and no one sought forgiveness from our family," urging, "Please punish according to the law."

On the other hand, Sergeant Jang's defense attorney acknowledged that Jang made the statements mentioned in the indictment, regretted the foolish excuses, but argued that since these were unilateral claims, it is difficult to view them as factual statements implying "the victim falsely reported," and requested leniency with a fine.

Sergeant Jang bowed his head to the bereaved family listening in the courtroom and said, "I apologize. I reflect on my actions every day."

Sergeant Jang, who belonged to the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing, was indicted for forcibly molesting his junior Sergeant Lee on March 2, 2021, despite her refusal, and on September 29 last year, the Supreme Court confirmed a seven-year prison sentence.

The special prosecution team led by Ahn Mi-young, launched amid public criticism of the military prosecution's inadequate investigation, additionally indicted Sergeant Jang last September on defamation charges.

Before the sentencing request on this day, the special prosecution team revealed evidence in court including statements made by Sergeant Jang to those around him after being reported for sexual harassment, such as "This is something that can happen routinely," "There was light touching," and "Female soldiers should be careful," as well as circumstances showing the spread of Sergeant Lee's sexual harassment victimization within the unit.

The sentencing hearing for Sergeant Jang's defamation case is scheduled for the 9th of next month.

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