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| Former Justice Minister Lee Kwi-nam speaks to child rapist Cho Doo-soon at Cheongsong Prison in this March 16, 2010 file photo. / Korea Times file |
By Kim Se-jeong
With convicted child rapist Cho Doo-soon's release from prison a little over one month away, the National Police Agency said Friday it will offer the victim physical protection.
According to measures announced Friday, the police will have officers ready at all times so that they can be dispatched to physically protect the victim if a request is made.
Cho was sentenced to 12 years in prison after violently raping an eight-year-old girl in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province in 2008. He kidnapped the girl on her way home from her school and raped her violently in a church restroom, leaving her with permanent internal damage. He had 17 previous convictions for a number of crimes including sexual assaults, rape and murder. Cho is expected to be released Dec. 13.
Amid growing concerns for the safety of the victim, her family spoke out demanding the government take action to keep him behind bars. The Mayor of Ansan followed suit, demanding action from the Ministry of Justice and legislators.
Friday's announcement was the government's response to this.
Besides offering protection, a series of other measures were announced by the justice ministry and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family ― the former said will assign an official to monitor Cho around the clock.
Cho will also be required to wear an electronic anklet to allow the authorities to check his movements and ensure he keeps within 1km of his home. The police agency said it will also increase the number of CCTV cameras in the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender Equality will assist the victim and the family with counseling and financial aid.
His release triggered nationwide outrage among women who were reminded of Korea's lenient response to sex offenders. Twelve years in prison is considered far too light for a convicted child rapist in most advanced countries.
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