South Korea: Seoul police chief accused of Halloween stampede that left nearly 160 people dead in 2022

Seoul’s police chief has been accused of professional negligence over the 2022 Halloween tragedy, in which nearly 160 people were crushed to death, the South Korean capital’s prosecutor’s office said.

On October 29, 2022, tens of thousands of people, mostly young people, came out to celebrate Halloween for the first time since the pandemic in the lively Itaewon district.

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But the party turned into tragedy when a crowd gathered in a narrow alley where more than 150 people ended up dying due to the crowd.

More than a year later, Kim Kwang-ho, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was accused of professional negligence resulting in death and injury, the Seoul Western District Procuratorate said in a statement on Friday.

LOOK HERE: “I couldn’t do my duty and I’m very sorry”: the police officer who tried to prevent the Halloween tragedy in Seoul

As responsible for the body, “failed to take necessary measures, such as mobilizing sufficient police forces and ensuring adequate command and supervision” on the day of the tragedy, although it could “anticipate potential dangers” of excess people in the area, explained the Public Ministry.

Kim is the highest-ranking police officer who will have to face justice for the tragedy. Despite the accusation, he was not arrested.

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In January 2023, Kim and 22 other officials from the police, rescue teams and administration were referred to prosecution following an investigation into their alleged responsibility in mishandling the tragedy.

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In its Friday statement, the prosecution highlights that Kim, along with these two district officials, “collectively caused the death of 158 people and injuries to 312 people as a result of professional negligence.”.

Victims’ families lamented the slow pace of prosecution before accusing Kim and called on him to step down.

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“Kim must immediately resign from her position and face trial.”, they said in a statement. Otherwise, “President Yoon Suk Yeol must fire Kim immediately”they added.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.