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Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Retrial opens for S. Korean woman who bit off attempted rapist's tongue
Choi Mal-ja was inspired by the #MeToo movement to challenge her conviction for defending herself. (Yonhap/AFP pic) SEOUL : A South Korean court reopened a decades-old case today after the country's #MeToo movement inspired a woman to challenge her conviction for defending herself against sexual violence 61 years ago. Choi Mal-ja was 19 when she was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae in 1964. He pinned her to the ground and forced his tongue into her mouth, court records showed. Choi managed to break free by biting off about 1.5cm of his tongue. In one of South Korea's most contentious rulings on sexual violence, the aggressor received only six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation – but not attempted rape. But Choi was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The court said at the time her action had 'exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self-defence'. Choi's case gained renewed momentum decades later after #MeToo movement, which took off globally in 2017 and inspired her to seek justice. In South Korea, massive women's rights protests led to victories on issues ranging from abortion access to tougher penalties for spycam crimes. Choi filed for a retrial in 2020, but lower courts initially rejected her petition. After years of campaigning and an appeal, South Korea's top court finally ordered a retrial in 2024. 'For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal,' Choi told reporters outside the Busan district court ahead of today's retrial hearing. She said she hoped future generations could 'live in a world free from sexual violence where they can enjoy human rights and a happy life'. Choi Sun-hye, executive director of the Korea Women's Hotline counselling centre, which supported her case, told AFP that her decision was also meant to 'become a source of strength for other victims of sexual violence and correct past wrongs'. At the retrial hearing today, the prosecution asked the court to clear her of the past conviction, the Busan district court told AFP. The verdict is expected in September this year.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Choi Mal-ja was convicted for biting off her sexual attacker's tongue in 1964. She may finally clear her name.
Seoul — A South Korean court reopened a decades-old case on Wednesday after the country's #MeToo movement inspired a woman to challenge her conviction for defending herself against sexual violence 61 years ago. Choi Mal-ja was 19 when she was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae in 1964. He pinned her to the ground and forced his tongue into her mouth, court records showed. Choi managed to break free by biting off about half an inch of his tongue. In one of South Korea's most contentious rulings on sexual violence, the aggressor received only six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation — but not attempted rape. But Choi was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The court said at the time her action had "exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self-defense." Choi's case gained renewed momentum decades later after #MeToo movement, which took off globally in 2017 and inspired her to seek justice. In South Korea, massive women's rights protests led to victories on issues ranging from abortion access to tougher penalties for spycam crimes, and a reckoning for the international K-pop music industry. Choi filed for a retrial in 2020, but lower courts initially rejected her petition. After years of campaigning and an appeal, South Korea's top court finally ordered a retrial in 2024. "For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal," Choi told reporters outside the Busan District Court ahead of Wednesday's retrial hearing. She said she hoped future generations could "live in a world free from sexual violence where they can enjoy human rights and a happy life." Choi Sun-hye, executive director of the Korea Women's Hotline counselling center, which supported her case, told AFP that her decision was also meant to "become a source of strength for other victims of sexual violence and correct past wrongs." At the retrial hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution asked the court to clear her of the past conviction, the Busan District Court told AFP. The verdict is expected in September this year.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Retrial opens for South Korean woman who bit off attempted rapist's tongue
SEOUL: A South Korean court reopened a decades-old case on Wednesday (Jul 23) after the country's #MeToo movement inspired a woman to challenge her conviction for defending herself against sexual violence 61 years ago. Choi Mal-ja was 19 when she was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae in 1964. He pinned her to the ground and forced his tongue into her mouth, court records showed. Choi managed to break free by biting off about 1.5cm of his tongue. In one of South Korea's most contentious rulings on sexual violence, the aggressor received only six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation - but not attempted rape. But Choi was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The court said at the time her action had "exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self-defence". Choi's case gained renewed momentum decades later after #MeToo movement, which took off globally in 2017 and inspired her to seek justice. In South Korea, massive women's rights protests led to victories on issues ranging from abortion access to tougher penalties for spycam crimes. Choi filed for a retrial in 2020, but lower courts initially rejected her petition. After years of campaigning and an appeal, South Korea's top court finally ordered a retrial in 2024. "For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal," Choi told reporters outside the Busan District Court ahead of Wednesday's retrial hearing. She said she hoped future generations could "live in a world free from sexual violence where they can enjoy human rights and a happy life".
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former teacher who created award to showcase inspirational women honoured
The Bolton woman who created an awards ceremony 10 years ago has herself been given a national award by the Daily Mail for her inspiration. Gulnaz Brennan, a former teacher living in Blackrod, is well known as the driving force behind the annual SheInspires Awards. These recognise outstanding females locally, nationally and internationally. The Daily Mail asked its readers to nominate women across the country who 'go the extra mile for other people' and selected five to become Inspirational Women of the Year. Gulnaz won her award for her campaign to help women take greater control of their finances and their lives. The paper described how it was the realization that many of her friends let their partners control their finances that 'lit the feminist fire in her". SheInspires Awards' founder Gulnaz Brennan has been given a national award by the Daily Mail (Image: Supplied) Gulnaz said: 'One couldn't afford to do the supermarket shop because her ex had run up debts on her credit card. "Another discovered after her relationship broke down that her ex had taken a loan out in her name. 'Saddled with his debt, she faced losing her home. It was heartbreaking.' She felt that 'too many women are ignorant about finances and uncomfortable talking about money, but it's vital to stay in charge of our finances and not let anyone – even a partner – take over". Gulnaz started her campaign Let's Talk Money and now runs monthly seminars, podcasts, webinars and networking events, helping thousands of women. READ NEXT > Best villages near Bolton for a day out according to locals READ NEXT > Age UK Bolton and council partnership 'changing lives' for residents READ NEXT > Alarming children's mental health condition fact revealed in Bolton conference Last year, she launched a programme to set up financial workshops helping girls from nursery school upwards understand how to manage money. 'We need to target children as young as possible and ensure they grow up with a healthy attitude to money,' she said. 'A world where girls are financially empowered is a world where they have control over their futures. 'Being recognised with this award is a wonderful feeling. "It's a pat on the back – and a real motivator to do even more.'
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Irish Ambassador Bids Farewell to Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio
The Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Aidan Fitzpatrick, paid a farewell courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, marking the end of his two-year diplomatic mission in the country. In his remarks, Ambassador Fitzpatrick expressed his sincere gratitude to President Bio for receiving him and used the opportunity to congratulate the President on his recent election as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Reflecting on his time in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Fitzpatrick commended the significant progress made under President Bio's leadership, particularly in advancing women's rights. He also praised the warmth and hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people and acknowledged the increasing international recognition the country has gained under President Bio's tenure. He further revealed that Ireland is exploring opportunities to expand investment in Sierra Leone, underscoring the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations. In response, President Bio thanked Ambassador Fitzpatrick on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for his service, dedication, and unwavering support throughout his mission. He noted that Sierra Leone recently established an embassy in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries. 'Your leadership and diplomatic style will be missed. You were always present and supportive at diplomatic meetings,' the President recalled. 'I wish you success in your future endeavors.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
