Truth and Reconciliation Commission Submits Non-Punishment Letter for Sit-In Victims' Families... "A Belated Apology"

Nine Investigated for Trespassing

"Communication Lacking... Step Toward Restoring Trust"

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) has expressed that it does not wish to seek punishment for the families of victims of state violence who are under investigation for staging a sit-in within the Commission's building. This is a measure aimed at promoting reconciliation and restoring trust.

Song Sanggyo, Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is delivering a greeting at the launch press conference of the 3rd committee held on the 4th at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 24th, the Commission announced that it had submitted a letter of non-punishment signed by the chairman on behalf of nine members of the National Coalition for Victims of State Violence, who have been under investigation since the second committee in July 2024 on charges such as trespassing related to the sit-in. The letter of non-punishment was filed with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office the previous day.

The individuals in question are victims and families affected by incidents such as mass civilian killings by the state. At the time, they staged a sit-in inside the Commission's building, demanding broader truth-finding efforts and an apology from the chairman. Although the families repeatedly requested meetings, communication was not smooth. As the sit-in became prolonged, the Commission requested police assistance for forced eviction. During this process, some families refused to leave, resulting in clashes, and nine people were referred to the prosecution on charges such as collective refusal to comply with eviction orders.

As it prepares for its third term, the Commission intends to use this case as a "starting point for reconciliation." Chairman Song Sanggyo said, "If we had been more attentive to the families' earnest desire for truth and communicated sufficiently, this situation would not have occurred," adding, "Although it is late, I sincerely apologize for the deep pain we have caused."

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