By Lee Kyung-min
Calls are growing for harsher punishments for individuals who commit crimes under the influence of alcohol.
Over 210,000 people have signed a petition on Cheong Wa Dae’s website calling for the revision of a law that recognizes being drunk as a mitigating circumstance and therefore grounds for leniency.
The petition reflects growing public criticism over the sentence handed down to Cho Doo-soon who was convicted of raping an eight-year-old school girl, which left her with permanent damage to multiple organs.
Despite the severity of the crime, he was only sentenced to a 12-year prison term in 2008, after a judge recognized his claim that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident and therefore unable to make rational decisions.
Such a ruling will continue to enrage the public unless the law is changed, said an office worker surnamed Kim, 33.
“Instead of granting leniency, harsher punishment is needed for those who try to excuse their criminal behavior saying they were drunk,” she said.
“When I read some absurd rulings where a man gets only a one- or two-year prison term after a judge imposes a light sentence saying the defendant was drunk, I am just aghast how that would make the victim feel. I strongly believe the law should be revised.”
She added that sentencing should be determined to bring justice to the victims, not just to give perpetrators a second chance.
“Where is the dignity of victims who were sexually harassed or assaulted when offenders get off virtually scot-free? The law should definitely be changed to eradicate the social atmosphere and culture that condones violence against women.”
People who drink should do so fully understanding any behavior they engage in while drunk would have grave consequences, said a man surnamed Lim, 38.
“People who know they can’t handle themselves when drunk simply should not drink too much. As for those who drink of their own free will, they should take responsibility for their actions,” he said.
“Sometimes, harsh punishment is the only way to change people’s minds about how they should behave when they drink.”
This response was echoed by a writer, surnamed Jang.
“How a perpetrator is punished largely determines people’s behavior. Why would people behave themselves when they know there will be no repercussions following any misconduct?” Jang said. “What’s socially acceptable or not is determined largely by how harsh a punishment follows criminal behavior.”
The presidential office is expected to announce its stance soon, as any petition that garners over 200,000 signatures in one month requires an official response from the President or senior presidential secretaries.