November 7 marked the beginning of a historic legal action in which survivors of sexual violence committed during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising filed a lawsuit against the state, seeking reparation and official recognition of responsibility.
On this day, survivors and the civil society organization Yeolmae held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Court to announce the start of the trial. The Korean Council also joined the press conference in solidarity, with Chairperson Lee Na-young delivering a statement of support.
This lawsuit represents a crucial first step for survivors who, after 45 years of enforced silence, have finally broken that silence to demand accountability from the state. It is a courageous act that challenges long-standing impunity and calls for acknowledgment of state responsibility for grave human rights violations.
The Korean Council sincerely hopes that the court's ruling will bring survivors a measure of peace and healing.
On this day, survivors and the civil society organization Yeolmae held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Court to announce the start of the trial. The Korean Council also joined the press conference in solidarity, with Chairperson Lee Na-young delivering a statement of support.
This lawsuit represents a crucial first step for survivors who, after 45 years of enforced silence, have finally broken that silence to demand accountability from the state. It is a courageous act that challenges long-standing impunity and calls for acknowledgment of state responsibility for grave human rights violations.
The Korean Council sincerely hopes that the court's ruling will bring survivors a measure of peace and healing.