The police chief of Seoul has been accused of professional negligence for the tragic Halloween stampede in 2022, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 160 individuals. According to prosecutors in the South Korean capital, this charge has been brought against the chief of police.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office announced on Friday that Kim Kwang-ho, the leader of the SMPA, has been indicted for professional negligence leading to injury or death.
The statement claims that as the leader of SMPA, he failed to implement adequate measures on the day of the crush, such as deploying enough police personnel and ensuring proper oversight. However, he was aware of the potential dangers that could arise from overcrowding in the nightlife area.
Kim, the most senior police officer to be brought to trial for the incident, was charged without being arrested.
On October 29, 2022, a large number of individuals, primarily in their 20s and 30s, were gathered in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood to partake in holiday festivities after the pandemic. However, the evening took a tragic turn when a large group of people crowded into a small, angled alleyway between bars and clubs, resulting in a deadly crush.
In January of the previous year, a special police investigation team referred Kim and 22 other officials from various departments, including the police, rescue, and district offices, to prosecutors for their suspected role in the government’s mishandling of the crush.
The police station leaders in Seoul’s Yongsan district, which encompasses Itaewon, were later accused by prosecutors. The Yongsan Ward office was also charged, but the decision to charge Kim was delayed for over a year.
According to the statement released on Friday, Kim, the Yongsan police station chief, and the Yongsan Ward office head are being accused of causing the deaths of 158 people and injuries to 312 others due to their negligence while on trial.
The families of the victims expressed disappointment in the prolonged decision-making process of the prosecution before finally charging Kim.
The families released a statement demanding that Chief Kim resign and stand trial, and calling for President Yoon Suk-yeol to promptly remove Kim from his position.
Source: theguardian.com
