Prosecution demands arrest of ex-Coast Guard chief in Sewol probe
SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Yonhap) -- State prosecutors said Monday they have requested a court formally detain a former Korea Coast Guard chief for alleged mishandling of one of the country's worst maritime disasters, in which more than 300 people died.
A special unit tasked with the probe said it has requested the arrest of Kim Suk-kyoon, former Korea Coast Guard chief, as well as five other key officials, including those who supervised the western coastal unit and the southwestern port city of Mokpo, according to the prosecution.
State prosecutors said the six incumbent and former officials have been charged with mishandling the rescue operations during the 2014 Sewol disaster, leading to the deaths of 303 passengers and injuries to 142 others.
It is the latest move in a widening probe by the special investigative unit, launched in November. The unit has been investigating the exact cause of the fatal disaster and probing any mishandling of the rescue operations by the former conservative administration.
More than five years have passed since the tragedy, but many people still believe the truth behind it and the government's search-and-rescue operations and other responses at that time has yet to come to light.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
BTS to meet Biden at White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes
-
Premier League Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min receives hero's welcome home
-
Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
Hyundai Motor to invest US$5 bln in U.S. for robotics, autonomous driving development
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
With historic Golden Boot, Son Heung-min cements case as greatest S. Korean footballer ever
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
BTS to meet Biden at White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes
-
(LEAD) Supreme Court rules against peak wage system
-
'The Roundup' becomes most-watched Korean film in pandemic era
-
S. Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine returning home
-
(LEAD) Yoon picks women for last remaining 2 Cabinet ministers