(EDITORIAL from the Korea Times on April 27)

Sentencing guidelines
Eight major crimes subject to tougher punishment

The Supreme Court has introduced sentencing guidelines for eight major crimes in
order to ensure fair trials and the rule of law. Bribery, embezzlement, breach of
trust, murder, rape, robbery, perjury and false accusations will be subject to
tougher punishment from July.
We hope that judges will sincerely implement the guidelines to ensure fairness
and objectivity in handing down sentences to those indicted. As the top court
insisted, the goal of the guidelines is to restore public trust in the justice
system. No one can deny that judges have often been too lenient with politicians,
bureaucrats and businessmen accused of bribery, influence peddling, embezzlement
and other forms of corruption.
History shows that political heavyweights, ranking officials and business tycoons
have been given lighter sentences than what they should have received for grave
criminal acts. In many corruption cases, prosecutors have usually demanded
harsher punishments for the suspects, but judges have given suspended prison
terms to the accused in many cases, sparking controversy over the justice system.

It has been commonly said "If you're rich, you're innocent (of any charges). But
if you're poor, you're guilty," implying how unjust the justice system has been
here. Rich and influential people including chaebol owners, big-name politicians
and lawmakers, and high-ranking bureaucrats must no longer be allowed to trample
on the justice system with their money or power.
It's also time for judges to break corrupt ties with lawyers defending wealthy
and powerful figures in grave corruption cases. What's urgent is to guarantee the
key democratic principle of all men being equal before the law. It's impossible
for the nation to firmly establish a justice system and rule of law without this
equality.
According to the sentencing guidelines, those receiving 50 million or more in
bribes will be given at least three years and six months in prison if convicted
and will not be allowed to enjoy suspended jail terms. In addition, those taking
more than 500 million won in bribes may face life imprisonment, with a minimum
sentence calling for seven years in jail. The harsher punishment rules certainly
reflect the Supreme Court's strong willingness to get tough with corrupt
politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen.
Former President Roh Moo-hyun and his family members are just now being
investigated over a bribery scandal. The case shows how difficult it is to
eliminate corruption in officialdom and the business sector. People cannot help
but feel frustration and betrayal because Roh had vowed to work for "clean"
politics and fight against corruption during his five-year term ending in
February 2008. The nation should no longer tolerate corruption and faithfully
apply the tougher punishment guidelines.
(END)