South Korea prosecutors seek death penalty for captain of doomed ferry

GWANGJU, South Korea - Reuters

Portraits of the victims of the sunken South Korean ferry "Sewol" are seen with yellow ribbons at Gwanghwamun square where relatives of the victims have sitting in protest against the government, in Seoul on October 15, 2014. AFP Photo

South Korean prosecutors on Oct. 27 sought the death penalty for the captain of a ferry that capsized in April, leaving 304 people dead or missing.
   
Lee Joon-seok, 68, who has been charged with homicide, should be sentenced to death for failing to execute his duty, which amounted to homicide, the prosecution told the court, resting its 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 April 16, triggering an outpouring of nationwide grief and sharp criticism of the government of President Park Geun-hye for its handling of the rescue operation.