[연합시론] Cho Doo-soon released tomorrow … We must do everything possible to prevent recidivism and personal punishment

Cho Doo-soon, a ruthless criminal who has aroused public anger and brutally raped a girl, is released on the 12th. In December 2008, Cho Doo-soon dragged a victim, who was eight at the time years, to a bathroom in a church in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, brutally beaten and raped. Following the incident, the cruelty became known to the world and was criticized by public opinion, but the court sentenced him to 12 years in prison, well below the expectations of the general public. Mental and physical weakness caused by drinking was the reason for the reduction. The victim has to live his entire life in pain due to mental trauma as well as some impairment of physical function, but the perpetrator has already finished his sentence and comes into the world, so he cannot help but feel frustrated. Furthermore, for the victim, his family and nearby residents, his release would be uncomfortable.

The Cho Doo-soon case raises fundamental questions about the role and limitations of the state in charge of people’s lives and safety. Following the incident, amendments were made to the law such as drug treatment for offenders of child sexual violence, extension of the statute of prosecution for underage sex crimes, and restrictions on reducing alcohol consumption. In Japan, the ‘Cho Doo-soon Recidivism Prevention Law’, which reinforces orders to prohibit child sex offenders from leaving and entering, was passed in the National Assembly. It is clear that this series of laws to strengthen penalties and prevent recidivism is a significant step towards a safer society. However, many people still have doubts about the effectiveness of these legal arrangements. In 2017, more than 600,000 people accepted the request for “ Opposite to be released from Cho Doo-soon ” on the Blue House notice board, and it is in the same vein that some YouTubers recently announced the punishment for Cho Doo. , soon one after another. However, private violence undermines the foundations of the state system and is just another crime that should never happen. It is not impossible to understand the anger against Cho Doo-soon, but in any case, a solution must be found within the limits of laws and institutions.

There is no system anywhere that can completely prevent crime. All systems have limitations and must be constantly fixed and refined, but attempts to overcome those limits all at once can cause even bigger problems. The same is the case with the security arrangement system that has been discussed recently. The main idea is to quarantine a violent criminal who will likely re-offend from society for an additional 1 to 10 years after release, but it reminds us of the custodial and protection system that was abused as a means of suppressing anti-government personnel. in the past. Double punishment for the same crime is contrary to the constitution. Instead of arbitrarily judging the “possibility of recidivism” and punishing it further, it is desirable to raise the sentencing criteria for violent crimes and reexamine the inmate rehabilitation system as an opportunity to strengthen effectiveness. However, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the limitations of laws and systems are clear. The central government, the city of Ansan and the police must work together to show a strong commitment to action to ensure the safety of citizens as much as possible. First, it is necessary to actively implement all the measures allowed by the revised law in relation to the Cho Doo-soon case. For example, in the case of the system of probation officers in charge of recidivism, its effectiveness is sufficiently proven, but the labor shortage is serious. Budget and manpower must be saved to protect and reassure people. The City of Ansan plans to significantly strengthen patrols around Cho Doo-soon’s planned residence, such as adding additional security personnel and installing a new closed circuit television (CC). It may be preparing well, but I hope you will check it carefully to make sure there are no gaps.

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