Police, State ordered to pay 350 million won to victim of Incheon stabbing

A South Korean court has ordered the state and police to pay 350 million won (approximately $255,000) in damages to the victim of a 2021 stabbing incident in Incheon, ruling that police response was inadequate.

The ruling by the Incheon District Court's Civil Division 13 found that police officers on duty exhibited gross negligence in their duties, failing to respond to the critical situation. The victim, a woman in her 40s, sustained severe injuries and continues to suffer from aftereffects after being attacked with a knife by her upstairs neighbor in November 2021. The initial claim by the victim's family sought over 2 billion won in compensation.

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We are deeply grateful for the court's wise judgment that recognized the state's liability for the grave dereliction of duty by police officers.

Lawyers representing the victim expressed gratitude for the court's "wise judgment" in recognizing the state's liability due to the police officers' "grave dereliction of duty." They highlighted the case's significance as a critical event that eroded public trust in law enforcement, stating, "This ruling is meaningful in that the court has sounded a stern warning against that." The perpetrator, who was charged with attempted murder, received a confirmed sentence of 22 years in prison. The victim's family members intervened and subdued the attacker while sustaining injuries themselves.

During the incident, the responding police officer reportedly recognized the severity of the situation but failed to act, ultimately leaving the scene. This officer was subsequently sentenced to a one-year prison term, suspended for three years, for dereliction of duty. The court's decision underscores the accountability of law enforcement in emergency situations and aims to restore public confidence in their ability to protect citizens.

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This case was a critical event that eroded public trust in police authority. This ruling is meaningful in that the court has sounded a stern warning against that.