Controversy Surrounding ‘민주유공자법’ and Independent Handling of ‘민주화운동보상법’

Controversy Surrounding ‘민주유공자법’ and Discussions on Government’s Favoritism

A recent controversy has arisen surrounding the ‘민주유공자법’, leading to discussions about the government’s favoritism. The opposition party has decided to handle the ‘민주화운동보상법’ independently, without the involvement of other parties. This decision has sparked criticism from 박민식, a member of the Democratic Party, who referred to it as a “special law for the progressive camp.”

Recognition of Participants Beyond 4.19 Revolution and 5.18 Democratization Movement

The purpose of the ‘민주화운동보상법’ is to recognize individuals who participated in democratic movements beyond the well-known 4.19 Revolution and 5.18 Democratization Movement. This law aims to acknowledge those who sustained injuries or lost their lives during these movements from the 1960s to the 1990s. It is intended to honor and support those who actively contributed to the advancement of democracy.

Participation of 박민식, Head of National Veterans Affairs Office, in Committee Meeting

박민식, the head of the National Veterans Affairs Office, attended a committee meeting in the National Assembly to discuss the ‘민주화운동보상법’ and its significance. The meeting was organized to address the concerns and implications of this law.

Support for Democratic Movement Veterans in Education, Healthcare, and Employment

Under the ‘민주화운동보상자법’, eligible individuals who participated in the democratic movement from the 1960s to the 1990s can receive comprehensive support in various aspects of their lives. This support includes education, healthcare, employment, and overall welfare improvement.

Current Laws and Recognition of 4.19 Revolution and 5.18 Democratization Movement Participants

Participants in the well-known 4.19 Revolution and 5.18 Democratization Movement are already recognized as veterans under current laws. However, there have been ongoing issues regarding the exclusion of certain individuals who were active in the 1980s, such as 박종철 and 이한열, from official recognition as veterans.

Passage of ‘민주화운동보상법’ by the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party has long advocated for the establishment of the ‘민주화운동보상법’. In July, they successfully passed the bill during a full committee meeting in the National Assembly. This achievement represents a significant step towards resolving the issue of excluding specific individuals from being recognized as veterans.

Source: 한겨레