American Soldier Sentenced for Raping a South Korean Woman
Post on: 2011-11-02 By: admin
He was accused of breaking into the woman’s residence in a low-budget motel on Sept. 24, repeatedly raping her and stealing 5,000 won, or $4.50. The American government had apologized for the case and swiftly handed over the soldier to South Korean authorities. Prosecutors demanded 15 years in prison.
“While the defendant satisfied his sadistic and perverted sexual desire for three hours, the victim was forced to endure fear and shame at her own home where she was entitled to have her peace,” said a ruling written by Park In-sik, the presiding justice at the district court in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul.
In 1992, an American soldier was sentenced to 15 years for raping and murdering a South Korean bar worker in 1992. That assault helped set off a prolonged civic campaign to demand greater South Korean jurisdiction over American soldiers involved in crimes and led to protests calling for the withdrawal of United States troops.
Most South Koreans welcome the presence of the 28,000 American troops, whom they consider essential to their defense against North Korea. But crimes committed by the soldiers against South Korean victims have often triggered anti-American protests.
The ruling Tuesday came amid growing calls for harsher punishment for sexual crimes in general in South Korea. A recent series of sensational cases has prompted politicians and judges to support longer prison terms.
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