Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Ministry holds a conference for military prosecutors from all branches of the service

- Discussed severe punishment for drug trafficking in the military, protection of the human rights of soldiers, and development tasks

On Wednesday, July 5, the Defense Ministry held a conference for military prosecutors from all branches of the service at the conference room of the Defense Ministry. The conference aimed to review the progress made on the first anniversary of the enforcement of the revised Military Court Act and discuss responses to major crimes, including drug trafficking in the military. Furthermore, the conference explored ways for future development.

This conference discussed the achievements one year after the enforcement of the revised Military Court Act and the work carried out by the Defense Ministry and the prosecutors' offices of each military branch. The primary focus was on addressing the strict treatment of major crimes, such as leakage of military secrets in the barracks, child abuse, and stalking.

Minister Lee said, “One year after the enforcement of the revised Military Court Act, it is meaningful to review the operations of military prosecutors and discuss ways of handling major crimes.” He urged the participants to make more efforts toward strict punishment for crimes such as drug trafficking in the barracks and leakage of military secrets, which undermine military discipline and benefit the enemy, as well as the protection of soldiers’ human rights.

The Defense Ministry and military prosecutors from all branches of service will consider the challenges and opinions discussed at the conference. The ministry plans to respond in a manner that reflects what people understand and care about through (i) strict punishment of drug incidents in the military and violations of the Military Secret Protection Act, (ii) active protection of child abuse and stalking victims, and (iii) confiscation of vehicles related to drinking and serious crimes. Moreover, continued efforts will be made to enhance citizens’ confidence in military prosecutors by developing a military prosecution policy, strengthening professionalism, and ensuring the protection of soldiers' human rights.