Tough justice in South Korea

Former South Korean presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo have been charged with treason, mutiny and bribery -- almost a case of if one does not get you another one will.

Just as well, 32 other prominent people in South Korea have been charged, making it the trial of the century in the country.

The trial resumed after a break on Monday with prosecutors calling for the death penalty for Chun and a long prison term for Roh.

It's expected that a decision will be made in a fortnight.

The first of the long list of charges refers to the 1980 protest in the southwestern city of Kwangju which was put down at a very high cost in terms of life and injury by some of the crack troops that were brought from the demilitarized zone near North Korea, under the command of Roh Tae-woo. Roh at that time was a general.

This is perhaps the most emotional and bloody incident in recent Korean history.

Many charges, in this first category, relate to the prosecution of those who were involved in the heavy-handed dispersal conducted during that particular civilian disturbance.

The second relates to the way in which Chun came to power in 1979, following the assassination of long-time president Park Chung-hee.

Chun and other generals wrested control of South Korea through a military coup following Park's killing.

No prominent political figures have been executed since former intelligence chief Kim Jae-kyu was hanged for his leading role in the assassination.

The third charge relates to the enormous amount of money raised by both Roh and Chun through their so-called slush funds.

South Korea is passing through a very interesting transition to a high technology and high income country.

In order for it to successfully become a modern nation, the whole country needs to work together -- with the government playing a very important role in steering and coordinating this transition.

First and foremost, however, is the urgent need for South Korea to expunge its torrid past and bring to justice the perpetrators of gross human rights abuses against the Korean people.

-- The Nation, Bangkok