SOUTH KOREA. DEATH PENALTY CRIME STATUTE UPS TO 25 YEARS
November 22, 2007: the statute of limitations for crimes that are punishable by the death sentence in South Korea is likely to be extended to 25 years.
The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee presented a revision bill on criminal procedures to a plenary session which proposes a general strengthening of penalties for crimes. The Assembly is expected to pass the bill soon. According to the revision bill, the statute of limitations for death penalty crimes will be increased from 15 years to 25 years.
The committee also acknowledged a revision bill of the law on crimes under jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, so the statute of limitations for crimes against humanity, including massacre and warfare, will be lifted and such offenders will be traced forever no matter how many years have passed since their crimes.
The law, however, will not be retroactive. (Sources: Korea Times, 22/11/2007)
|