Seoul, South Korea
Former South Korean presidential candidate Ahn Hee-jung was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for the repeated sexual assault of his secretary, Kim Ji-eun, while he was governor of the South Chungcheong Province. The Seoul lower court acquitted Ahn in August 2018, as they believed there was not substantial evidence. However, the Seoul High Court threw out the ruling and convicted Ahn of sexual assault. Ahn is among many other figures who have faced sexual assault allegations after the #MeToo movement became prominent in South Korea early last year.
Original article by Choe Sang-Hun, Feb. 1, 2019. The New York Times.
Paris, France
Despite complaints about frequent use of golf ball-sized rubber bullets by police to deter protestors, France’s highest administrative court determined that this police practice would remain legal. The rubber bullets have been used during the Yellow Vest protests in France, with greater than 9,200 shots fired, including forbidden shots to the head. Dozens of people have claimed to become mutilated or blinded from the bullets, which have broken hands and jaws, as well as shot out eyes.
Original article by Adam Nossiter, Feb. 1, 2019. The New York Times.
Santiago, Chile
Six men were recently convicted of the 1982 murder of former Chilean president Eduardo Frei Montalva. The six men — four doctors, a former security agent and the former president’s driver — conspired to slowly poison him following a surgery of the former president. They also worked to conceal the autopsy report. Frei’s death was initially deemed to be a result of natural causes but his family received tips that alluded to third-party involvement in 2000. The former army doctor received 10 years in prison, the former security agent and driver each received seven years, and the three other defendants received between three and five years each.
Original article by Pascale Bonnefoy, Jan. 30, 2019. The New York Times.