From: hrcoord@igc.org (Human Rights Coordinator)
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Subject: RELEASEALL POLITICAL PRISONERS NOW!
Date: 31 Jul 92 03:14:00 GMT
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476700302:000:3517
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Jul 30 20:14:00 1992


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: RELEASEALL POLITICAL PRISONERS NOW!

/* Written  5:28 pm  Jul 30, 1992 by h.park@link-do.comlink.apc.org in cdp:reg.seasia */
REPEAL NATIONAL SECURITY LAW OF SOUTH KOREA
Early this year, south and north Korea took a historic step toward reconciliation by
reconciliation by signing the Agreement on Reconciliation,
Nonaggression, Exchanges and Cooperation. The two sides of Korea
have been admitted to the United Nations and south Korea has
recently adopted international human rights agreements such as the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However
remnants of the Cold War era and dictatorship threaten to derail
the reconciliation and democratization process in south Korea.

The National Security Law (NSL), which has been arbitrarily used 
since 1948 to imprison dissident activists under the pretext of 
national security, still exist. Under the law, the government can
accuse anyone of "benefiting the enemy" (that is, north Korea) or
espionage. Many cases were fabricated with the use of torture and
false confessions. The NSL often is applied above the Constitution
and has been used in suppressing human rights, freedom of
espression, workers'rights, and organized political activities.

Under the current Roh Tae Woo government, an average of four
people per day were arrested for political activities (the total
is 5,472 during the last five years). This rate is higher than that of the 
Chun Doo Hwan dictatorship period, indicating the 
worsening human rights condition in south Korea. Out of 1,400
political prisoners, nearly half werd charged with violating the
National Security Law. Even after the signing of the Agreement of
Reconciliation with north Korea, more NSL-related arrests have
been made. The government of south Korea pursues a fallacious two-
track policy of negotiating with north Korea while cracking down
on the national democratic movement in south Korea.

Although Roh claims that there are no political prisoners in south
Korea, south Koreaa has political prisoners who are serving the
longest prison terms in the world. Twenty-six prisoners have been 
imprisoned longer than Nelson Mandela (27 years). Two are serving
their 42nd year in prison. Of the 90 long-term political
prisoners, 33 have served more than 20 years. They are forced to 
spend most of their time in solitary confinement. Many suffer from 
poor health. In all, 52 long-term prisoners have died in prison.

Out of the 90 long-term political prisoners, 42 are non-converted 
(those who did not renounce their political beliefs or 
allegiance). The non-converted serve longer term because they are
pro-North Koreans arrested during the Korean War in early 1950's.
Some have recently discovered that their family merbers are living
in north Korea. Yet they are unable to reunite because the Roh
government refuses to repatriate them, even on humanitarian terms.

Long-term political prisoners are coming out ot their
predicaments. Beginning July 22, forty-three long-term political 
prisoners will go an indifinite hunger strike calling for the 
repeal of the NSL and the release of all political prisoners in 
south Korea. National and local groups in south Korea have been
mobilized, as well as overseas Korean groups and international
supporters, in support of these long-term political prisoners'
struggle.

Contact: Young Korean Movement of Europe
         Park, Hee-Won
         Im Pratort 29
         4690 Herne 1
Tel) +49-2323-12153...