‘Dogani’ abuse victims lose suit against state

Seven victims of sexual crimes committed by staff members at Gwangju Inhwa School lost a compensation suit against the government. All the victims were hearing impaired.

The victims, whose story was portrayed in the 2011 film “Dogani,” filed a suit demanding the state, Gwangju City and the regional education office pay 440 million won ($423,000) in compensation, as they all suffered after effects of the abuse at the state-subsidized school.

But the Seoul Central District Court in its verdict cited the statute of limitations and a lack of evidence as its reasons for turning down the plaintiffs’ claim.

The verdict clarified that the victims’ right to file for compensation expired in June 2010, five years after they were initially granted the right in June 2005. The victims filed in March 2012.

The court also suggested that the evidence submitted to the court could not prove the allegations that the regional education office ― or the Education Ministry ― had been negligent in their oversight of the school.

A group of attorneys for the plaintiffs said they would appeal, saying the state left the unethical practice as it was.

Earlier, the Gwangju District Court sentenced the 63-year-old former administrator of Gwangju Inhwa School to 12 years in prison for raping a disabled 18-year-old student in April 2005. The administrator, surnamed Kim, was also ordered to wear an electronic anklet for 10 years following his release.

Kim was also charged with physically abusing another 17-year-old student who had witnessed the crime. The victim reportedly attempted to commit suicide afterward.

Meanwhile, some male teachers and administrators at the special school received light punishments even though they raped or sexually harassed the disabled students between 2000 and 2005.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)