Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong (pictured) eventually apologized for not separating abusive parents and children in connection with the death of Jung In-yang. Criticism has been raised for failing to investigate properly even after being reported three times in the meantime, and not taking separate measures. In the end, the police removed the title of Seoul Yangcheon Police Chief and apologized directly to Commissioner Kim.
On the 6th, in the apology distributed by Commissioner Kim, “I deeply apologize for failing to protect the lives of children who have been abused.” I feel it,” he bowed his head.
The police apologized and came up with a belated countermeasure. First, incidents related to the life and safety of the people, especially the socially weak, will be reported and directed by the front line chief. In addition, a new department in charge of child abuse will be established at the National Police Agency, and investigation guidelines will be prepared to ensure that the abuser’s psychological history, alcoholism, and past medical records of victims are checked. The police appeared to be frustrated over the announcement of the chief’s apology. At 2 p.m. on that day, the order of the Yangcheon Seojang ordered and an apology announced by the Commissioner of the Police were announced. At 2:30 p.m., Commissioner Kim personally came down to convey his intention to read the apology, but at 3 p.m., the police chief’s briefing was suddenly canceled. In response, the police only explained, “Please take into account that there were various circumstances.”
In the meantime, it was pointed out that the Yangcheon Police Station’s initial measures were insufficient after the death of Yang Chung In. Jung In-yang was adopted in February of last year. Since then, three reports of abuse were made in May, June, and September last year, but the police did not separate Jung In-yang from adoptive parents because they could not find evidence of abuse. Eventually, Jung In-yang died on October 13 last year.
The Office of the Hearing and Audit Office of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency conducted a deliberation by the Citizens’ Inspection Committee regarding the insolvency measures in Yangcheon-seo. As a result of the deliberation, a total of five people, including the team leader, who was in charge of handling the third report case, and two abuse prevention police officers (APOs), were referred to the disciplinary committee. The investigators and managers who handled the first and second reports, the head of the female and youth section, and the chief of staff were subject to disciplinary action.
Petitions and petitions are pouring out in the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court in charge of the case (presiding judge Shin Hyeok-jae) asking the adoptive parents to be punished severely. An official of the Southern District Court said, “The number of complaints received has reached the degree that it is difficult for the staff to enter each one into the system,” he said. “From now on, we decided to compile the records directly without entering the computer.” The court decided not to view the petition until it was found not guilty after seeing all the evidence, as there was a concern that it would affect the judgment of guilt. Their first trial will be held on the 13th.
As the “I’m Sorry Jung In-ah” challenge progresses and public opinion worsens, the government and politics are putting out measures against child abuse. On the 6th, candidate Park Bum-gye, Minister of Justice, said, “If I become a minister, I will create a special organization for the protection of children’s rights.” The National Assembly has proposed more than 40 amendments to related laws, including strengthening punishment by supervisory authorities. On the 5th, the government also announced measures by holding an emergency related ministerial meeting and strengthening the verification of qualifications for prospective adoptive parents.
However, voices of criticism are growing that the countermeasures came out only about three months after Jung In-yang died. Some point out that the responsibility for the supervisory authority should be strengthened. According to Article 25 of the Special Adoption Act, even after adoption is made, the agency in charge must monitor the adopted child’s condition and provide post-service for one year. However, after the adoption of Jung In-yang, Holt Children’s Welfare Association was reported to have been reported to have been abused and visited several homes to find out the abuse, but it turned out that it did not take measures to prevent the abuse.
[최희석 기자 / 차창희 기자]
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