South
Korean prosecutors on Monday sought the death penalty for the captain of a
ferry that capsized in April, leaving 304 people, most of them school children.
Lee
Joon-seok, 68, charged with homicide, should be sentenced to death for failing
to carry out his duty, which in effect amounted to homicide, the prosecution
told the court before resting its case in a trial that has taken place amid
intense public anger. Sentiment turned sharply
hostile after evidence surfaced that the mostly teenage passengers waited in
their cabins, obediently following orders, as the crew escaped.
Lee was
among 15 accused of abandoning the sharply listing ferry. Four, including the
captain, face homicide charges. The rest face lesser charges, including
negligence. A three-judge panel is expected to announce its verdicts in
November. No formal pleas have been made but Lee has denied intent to
kill.
The
Sewol capsized and sank some 12 miles off the island of Byungpoongon, South
Korea, during a routine voyage on April 16, triggering an outpouring of
nationwide grief and sharp criticism of the government of President Park
Geun-hye for its handling of the rescue operation.
The crew
on trial have said they thought it was the coast guard's job to evacuate
passengers. Video footage of their escape triggered outrage, especially after
survivors testified they repeatedly told passengers to stay put.
After
the prosecution rested its case, Lee apologised to the families of the victims,
saying he never intended to harm anyone.
'I will repent until the day I die and ask for the victims' families'
forgiveness,' he said. 'I swear with my hand over my heart, I did not intend to
kill anyone. I never even thought of such a thing.'
Some
family members of victims who attended Monday's hearing had called for the
death penalty, but Amnesty International said death was not the answer.
‘’The
Sewol ferry accident was a great tragedy and if negligence or human error was
involved, those responsible should be held to account. But the death penalty is
not a solution.’’
Source: Dailymail
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