27 Oct 2014

Death penalty sought for ferry captain

9:04 pm on 27 October 2014

South Korean prosecutors have sought the death penalty for the captain of a ferry that capsized in April, leaving 304 people dead or missing.

Lee Joon-seok

Sewol ferry captain Lee Joon-Seok (C) is escorted upon his arrival at the Gwangju District Court in the southwestern South Korean city of Gwangju in June. Photo: AFP

They told the court Lee Joon-seok, who was charged with homicide, should be sentenced to death for failing to execute his duty, which amounted to homicide.

They then rested their case in a trial that has taken place amid intense public anger towards the crew.

A verdict has not yet been handed down.

The Sewol capsized and sank on a routine voyage on 16 April, triggering an outpouring of nationwide grief and sharp criticism of the government of President Park Geun-hye for its handling of the rescue operation.

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