브뤼셀 포럼

European experiences in dealing with violent crime

The Brussels Forum on “European Experiences in Dealing with Violent Crime”, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea and the Yonsei-SERI EU Centre was held  on January 21st at Emerald Hall, Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was supported by the German, Italian, British, and French embassies.

The event invited experts from Europe to discuss issues regarding the treatment and punishment of violent criminals, presenting their experiences in such matters to Korean experts that attended the forum. From Europe, Mr. Jean Phillipe Rivaud, Deputy General Prosecutor from the court of appeals in Amiens , Dr Dirk Van Zyl Smit from the University of Nottingham, and Dr. Reingard Nisse from Fachhochschule der polizei des Landes Brandenburg, were invited. Attending this forum were experts from the Korean Ministry of Justice, Supreme Prosecutor’s office, National Police University, Civil Society groups, and a number of journalists.

Mr. Rivaud discussed the criminal justice system in France, and how the prosecutors and judges determine sentences and systems for parole and ensuring the prevention of re-offenders.  In France, since the death penalty was abolished in 1981, the rate of violent crimes was reduced. Despite the general public’s outcry for more severe punishment regarding such violent crimes, there was found to be no link between death penalty and violent crime rates. The society now understands there is no link between death penalty and murders.

Dr. van Zyl Smit discussed the method of imposing alternative sentences when moving towards the abolition of the death penalty. He spoke of the actual implementation process that would follow if Korea were to abolish the death penalty. Before such action can be taken, a system regarding the sentencing and rehabilitation of criminals must be established. If the death penalty is to be replaced by the life sentence, then life imprisonment must be sentenced only in the most serious of cases where the death penalty would have been chosen. Also, the management of aging prisoners, and the process for reconsidering and evaluating the life sentences should be formulated carefully.

Dr. Reingard Nisse, expert in the area of police enforcement regarding underage victims and perpetrators, presented the punishment regarding sexual crimes and crimes targeting children. Dr. Nisse elaborated on the legal definition of a child, the penalties applicable towards juvenile offenders, and the measures for protection and prevention. She also discussed the role of caretakers and the portrayal of violence in the media by young people.

Each presentation was followed up by a lively question and answer session, and questions regarding the similarities and differences between Europe and Korea were raised.  After every presentation was concluded, a general discussion and debating session took place in the Emerald Hall.