Woman Acquitted After 61 Years for Defending Herself Against Sexual Assault

South Korean Woman Acquitted After 61 Years for Biting Off Attacker's Tongue SEOUL, South Korea - A South Korean woman has been acquitted after a court revisited her decades-old conviction for biting off the attacker's tongue during an alleged sexual assault. Choi Mal-ja, now 79, was convicted of grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 10 months in jail in 1962. According to court documents, prosecutors apologized to Ms. Choi and asked the court to quash the conviction in a rare move. "I could not let this case go unanswered... I wanted to stand up for other victims who share the same fate as mine," Ms. Choi said after the acquittal. The incident occurred when Ms. Choi was 18 years old, and her aggressor, who was 21 at the time, received a lighter sentence of six months. The case has been cited in legal textbooks in South Korea as a classic example of a court failing to recognize self-defense during sexual violence. Ms. Choi's long fight for justice began after she realized that her conviction had turned her from a victim into an accused. "People around me warned me that it would be like throwing eggs at a rock, but I could not let this case go," she said. The acquittal has sparked debate about the handling of sexual assault cases in South Korea and the need for greater recognition of self-defense. According to experts, the country's justice system often prioritizes the perpetrator's rights over those of the victim. "The acquittal is a significant step towards acknowledging the injustices committed against Ms. Choi," said Kim Ji-hyun, a lawyer specializing in sexual assault cases. "However, it also highlights the need for systemic reforms to ensure that victims receive fair treatment and justice." The case has also raised questions about the role of technology in uncovering past injustices. In recent years, advances in AI-powered forensic analysis have helped investigators re-examine cold cases, leading to new leads and convictions. As Ms. Choi's case comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for victims' rights and pushing for justice, even after decades. "I hope that my story will inspire others to speak out against injustice," she said. Background: In South Korea, sexual assault cases are often underreported due to social stigma and fear of retaliation. According to government statistics, only about 10% of reported cases result in convictions. Additional Perspectives: The acquittal has sparked debate among lawmakers, who have proposed reforms to the justice system to better protect victims. Human rights groups have welcomed the decision as a step towards greater recognition of self-defense during sexual violence. Experts say that advances in AI-powered forensic analysis will continue to play a crucial role in uncovering past injustices and bringing perpetrators to justice. Current Status: The acquittal has been hailed as a major victory for Ms. Choi, who has spent decades fighting for justice. The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the handling of sexual assault cases in South Korea. *Reporting by Bbc.*