Woman who bit off attacker's tongue acquitted after 61 years
Summary
A South Korean court has acquitted Choi Mal-ja, who was convicted 61 years ago for biting off an attacker's tongue during an alleged sexual assault. As an 18-year-old, she received a harsher punishment than her attacker. Following a long campaign inspired by the #MeToo movement, her conviction was overturned.Key Facts
- Choi Mal-ja was convicted 61 years ago for biting off a man's tongue during an alleged attack, receiving a ten-month sentence.
- Her attacker, aged 21 at the time, received a lighter six-month sentence and was not charged with attempted rape.
- The case became a notable example of courts not recognizing self-defense during sexual violence in South Korea.
- In 2018, Ms. Choi began a campaign, with support from advocacy groups, to overturn her conviction, inspired by the #MeToo movement.
- Lower courts initially rejected her retrial request, but the Supreme Court eventually allowed it in December 2024.
- The court's recent decision to acquit her brings attention to how cases of self-defense in sexual attacks are judged.
- Ms. Choi plans to file a civil lawsuit against the state for compensation.
- Her case has been referenced in legal discussions about gender bias in the judicial system.
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