‘Death of Farmer Baek Nam-gi’ Former Seoul Police Chief Gu Eun-su Fined 10 Million Won Confirmed

Former Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Gu Eun-su, who was prosecuted in connection with the death of farmer Baek Nam-gi, who was hit by a water cannon fired by the police during the 2015 Minjung General Strike protest, has been sentenced to a fine.

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The Supreme Court's First Division (Presiding Justice No Tae-ak) on the 13th upheld the lower court's ruling that sentenced former Commissioner Gu to a fine of 10 million won on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

Former Commissioner Gu was charged with recognizing that the police were directly aiming the water cannon at Baek's head during the Minjung General Strike rally on November 14, 2015, but leaving the situation as it was. Baek fell into a brain-dead state after being hit by the police's water cannon and died on September 25 of the following year.

The first trial acquitted former Commissioner Gu, who only bore general command and supervision duties as the on-site commander, reasoning that it would have been difficult for him to be aware of the specific details of the water cannon operation.

However, the second trial ruled, "Former Commissioner Gu should not have only received reports from the on-site commander but should have exercised his command authority appropriately to confirm excessive water cannon use and taken necessary measures. Since he did not, professional negligence resulting in death is recognized," and sentenced him to a fine of 10 million won.

The Supreme Court also agreed with the second trial's judgment. The court stated, "Direct water cannon spraying clearly violates the Police Duties Execution Act and the water cannon operation guidelines."

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