90% of stalking suspects go unpunished
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More than 4,500 stalking cases were reported to police nationwide last year, but only 1 in 10 offenders were punished under the law, police data showed Saturday.
According to the National Police Agency data released by an opposition lawmaker, officers received 4,515 stalking reports in 2020 but closed 4,027 of the cases, or 89.2 percent, on the scene without taking any further action. Of the total, 1,444 cases were reported in Seoul.
Offenders were punished by summary procedures or other means under the Minor Offenses Act in only 488 of the reported cases, the data said.
There were 5,468 stalking cases reported to police across the country in 2019. In the first two months of this year, they have received 629 complaints.
Early this month, the nation was stunned after a Seoul man in his 20s was arrested for killing a woman whom he had stalked, her mother and younger sister at their home in northern Seoul.
Until now, stalking has been categorized as a misdemeanor and was only with just a fine of up to 100,000 won (US$88) or 29 days in jail, sparking criticism that such punishment has led to an increase in related crimes.
Last month, the National Assembly passed a bill to strengthen the punishment for stalkers amid growing public concern and calls to increase penalties for the offense.
Under the new law set to take effect Oct. 21, stalkers can face up to three years in prison or a 30 million-won fine. The punishment could be raised to a maximum of five years imprisonment or a fine of 50 million won when a weapon or other dangerous object is used. (Yonhap)