South Korean Woman Acquitted After 61 Years for Self-Defence in Sexual Assault Case
Choi Mal-ja, now 78, was acquitted after a retrial found her actions in biting her alleged attacker's tongue during a 1963 assault were legitimate self-defence.
Decades-Old Conviction Overturned
Choi Mal-ja was 18 when she was convicted of grievous bodily harm for biting off about 1.5cm of a man's tongue during an alleged sexual assault in Gimhae, South Korea. While her attacker received a six-month sentence, Choi was handed a harsher penalty: ten months in jail, suspended for two years.
Long Campaign for Justice
Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Choi sought a retrial, arguing her actions were a legitimate act of self-defence. After lower courts rejected her plea, the Supreme Court agreed to reopen the case in December 2024. During the retrial in Busan, prosecutors apologized and asked the court to quash her conviction.
Landmark Verdict
On Wednesday, the court declared Choi not guilty, recognizing that her defensive bite was warranted under the circumstances. Outside the courtroom, supporters celebrated with placards reading "Choi Mal-ja did it!"
Implications for Future Cases
Advocates say the ruling sets a precedent for victims of sexual violence in South Korea, affirming that defensive acts will be seen as legitimate self-defence. Song Ran-hee of the Korea Women's Hotline said the verdict sends a clear message: "Your voice matters. Speak out."
The court's decision marks a turning point in how self-defence in cases of sexual violence is recognized under South Korean law.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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