Woman vindicated 61 years later for resisting rapist
More than six decades after her conviction for defending herself against an attempted rapist, Choi Mal-ja has been acquitted in a landmark ruling that underscores a growing recognition in Korea of victims’ rights and the legitimacy of self-defense in cases of sexual violence. The Busan District Court on Wednesday ruled that Choi, who bit off part of her attacker’s tongue during a 1964 sexual assault attempt, acted in legitimate self-defense, closing a case that has resonated for decades as a symbol of women’s struggle for justice here. “She claimed self-defense regarding the act of biting the man’s tongue, and according to the records of this case, her actions are recognized as self-defense, so the charge of injury in this case is not sustained,” Judge Kim Hyun-soon said. “Thus, the defendant is not guilty.” Upon hearing the retrial ruling from the court, Choi, now 78, and women’s rights advocates burst into cheers and celebration. Outside the court, Choi received flowers from supporters and smiled. In a trembling voice, she declared, “Choi Mal-ja is not guilty.” In
