Two Navy officers sentenced to prison terms for the rape of a female subordinate were acquitted on appeal, prompting public outcry.



The High Military Court of Korea on Monday acquitted a lieutenant commander, who received a 10-year prison sentence in the first trial, on the grounds that while there was a sexual relationship between the officer and the subordinate, there was a lack of specific evidence proving assault or threat.



A captain, originally sentenced to eight years in jail for raping the same female subordinate, was also acquitted on Nov. 8.





Civic groups hold pickets in front of the High Military Court of Korea (Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center)