Choi Mal-ja, 80, received an apology from South Korean prosecutors during her retrial for biting off part of a man's tongue while defending herself against an alleged sexual assault. Despite being convicted of aggravated bodily injury and living as a convicted criminal for 61 years, Choi's case is now seen as a symbol of the failures within South Korea's justice system regarding sexual assault survivors. The prosecutor recognized the wrong done to her, stating the system failed to protect her as a victim. Choi advocates for stronger laws to protect human rights against sexual violence.
Senior prosecutor Jeong Myeong-won personally attended the first and only day of Choi's retrial and stated, 'We caused immeasurable pain and suffering to Ms Choi Mal-ja, who should have been protected as a sexual violence victim. We deeply apologise.'
Choi Mal-ja stated, 'I have lived 61 years as a criminal. My hope and dream now is that Korea will make laws so our descendants can live with their human rights protected in a world without sexual violence.'
Choi emerged from Busan district court with her fist raised, shouting three times: 'We won!' after the prosecution asked the court to clear her of the past conviction.
After being inspired by a university class on gender studies and the global #MeToo movement, Choi first filed for retrial in 2020, arguing she had been illegally detained.
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