[Tragic Verdict] The Judgment That Left the Victim’s Parents in Tears
“I do not wish for the perpetrator’s rehabilitation.”
Next, A’s mother gave her statement.
“That day, my daughter was simply on her way to her extracurricular activity. An incident that should never have happened in an ordinary life occurred, and our lives were completely changed,” she said, before breaking into sobs and continuing through tears.
“My daughter, who used to play outside with friends and immerse herself in her favorite activities, is now afraid to go outside, chooses inconspicuous clothing to hide herself, and rarely smiles.
She used to trust people and blend into her surroundings, but now she fears others and freezes in terror at the sight of elderly men. The actions of the perpetrator, which led to this, are utterly unforgivable.”
She then emphasized that “for my daughter to even begin healing from her emotional wounds, it is essential that society as a whole demonstrates a firm stance against such crimes and imposes strict justice on offenders.”
“We have no choice but to carry the weight of what happened to our daughter for the rest of our lives, but at the same time, we strongly hope that no other child or family will have to experience the same suffering.
We no longer wish for the perpetrator’s rehabilitation.
We ask that he never return to society and never again trample on another person’s life. Ultimately, what we hope for most is for our daughter to smile again and feel safe going outside. For that to happen, justice must be served, and the perpetrator must fully atone for his crimes.”
Though she was hidden behind a partition and not visible to the courtroom audience, A’s mother sobbed and choked up as she spoke. One of the prosecutors continuously wiped their eyes with a handkerchief.