The first-instance life sentence handed down to Jang Yoon-gi, the perpetrator in the high school girl murder case, came under fire during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit of the Gwangju High Court and other regional courts.

During today's audit held on the 20th, People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun stated, "While the prosecution sought the death penalty for Jang Yoon-gi, the first-instance court that handed down a life sentence stated in its ruling that he could be 'permanently incarcerated without parole to comfort the bereaved family and prevent similar crimes.' However, doesn't the legal ban on parole lack binding force? What institutional measures are in place?"

Following lawmaker Yoon's inquiry, Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chairperson Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party of Korea remarked, "Please share your opinions on life imprisonment without parole. The National Assembly will also discuss the matter."

Later, during her own turn for questioning, Chairperson Seo pointed out, "I believe a death sentence should have been handed down to Jang Yoon-gi. Carrying out the execution is a separate issue."

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jie-won noted, "100,000 citizens signed a petition urging strict punishment for Jang," and asked, "Please ensure that the appellate court fully takes such public sentiment into account to deliver the maximum sentence."

People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Kyu-taek said, "I saw the victim's mother crying out in despair right after the first-instance court sentenced 'high school girl murder case' perpetrator Jang Yoon-gi to life imprisonment," and asked, "I wonder if the statements from the victim's bereaved family were sufficiently reflected in the first-instance sentencing."

In response to the series of criticisms, Gwangju District Court Chief Judge Jang Yong-gi answered, "To my knowledge, the statements from the bereaved family of the victim in the Jang Yoon-gi case were sufficiently made in court," adding, "I believe the introduction of life imprisonment without parole is a matter to be decided as a legislative policy after gathering public opinion and undergoing discussions among experts."

(Photo: Yonhap News)