Compensation talks for arson victims stalled

A funeral service for a victim from last week's arson and mass murder in an apartment complex in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, is held at Hanil Hospital, Sunday. / Yonhap

By Kang Seung-woo

Talks on the issue of the government fully supporting medical expenses for the victims of an arson and mass murder attack last week in an apartment complex in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, have been stalled, with a funeral service for one victim being held, Sunday.

Last Wednesday, Ahn In-deuk, 42, set his apartment aflame and attacked fleeing residents with a knife, killing five of them and injuring 13. Currently, seven are in hospital. Later, police said he had committed the crimes out of his personal resentment toward society.

The bereaved families have demanded that the government fund all medical costs for the survivors until they make a full recovery, postponing their lost family members' funeral services.

According to the Crime Victim Protection Act, the government supports up to 50 million won ($44,000) for each victim per case.

However, the bereaved families are claiming the case is a tragedy equivalent to a national disaster due to police negligence. They argue that given the survivors may suffer the after-effects for a long period of time, the government should support them beyond the scope of legal requirements.

According to them, Ahn had in the past year gone on several rampages, including throwing human excrement in front of other homes and in elevators, and hurling expletives at other residents.

In addition, some residents had previously reported his bizarre and violent behavior to police, but no countermeasures were taken. In light of this, the bereaved families are calling for a formal apology from the commissioner general of the National Police Agency or the head of the Jinju Police Station.

On Saturday, the latter told the family members that police will fully investigate the case and take responsibility in the event that they turn out to be in the wrong.

Meanwhile, the funeral for the oldest victim, 74, surnamed Hwang, was held at Hanil Hospital in Jinju, where memorial altar is set up.