[Photo] Stiffer punishments for sexual harassment and assault to be enforce from Oct. 16

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on Oct. 8 that is move to enforce stiffer punishments for sexual harassment and assault in the workplace has been passed by the National Assembly. The move proposes a sentence of up to seven years imprisonment for sexual harassment and/or assault by a person in a position of greater power or authority in the workplace. The move was inspired by the backlash in the women’s rights movement regarding the acquittal of former governor South Chungcheong Ahn Jung-hee, who was accused of sexually assaulting his secretary. The new act, which was passed in a cabinet meeting on Oct. 8, will be enforced starting Oct. 16.

The above photo shows civic demonstrators calling for a guilty verdict of Ahn in Seoul on Aug. 18. (Lee Jeong-a, staff photographer)