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South Korea may sue Japan over Fukushima radiation leaks

Law Professor: Damage from Fukushima radiation may be “much larger” than we expect http://enenews.com/law-professor-damage-from-fukushima-radiation-may-be-much-larger-than-we-expect
Title: Korea may sue Japan for mishandling leakss
Source: Korea Times
Author: Kim Tae-jong
Date: Sept. 14, 2013

The government will be able to take legal action against Japanese authorities if the latter continues to leak radioactive water into the ocean which could affect marine life in Korean seas, experts said, Tuesday. […]

“Our government can demand Japan provide us with timely and detailed information about water leaks from the nuclear power plant, and also to stop leaking radioactive water,” said Kim Young-sok, a law school professor at Ewha Womans University. “It is necessary to take every possible precautionary action, as radiation damage can be irreversible and may be much larger than we expect.” […]

“This can be the violation of International Maritime Law (IML),” he said. “Even merchants at local fish markets who have seen a drastic drop in sales due to the perceived health risks from fishery products can be compensated if they can prove they have been affected.” […]

It is obvious that Korea will be affected by the water leak from the tsunami-hit power plant, although there are disputes on the level of the health risk.

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, affiliated with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, has recently announced that the radioactive water could affect marine life in Korean seas as early as next year.

See also: Korea Times: Quarter-billion liters of Fukushima contaminated water flowed into Pacific — Japan cover-up could violate international law — Hid global issue of environmental concern?

September 16, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, Legal, South Korea