Human Rights Commission: "Excessive Use of Handcuffs During Suspect Interrogation Constitutes Human Rights Violation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] The National Human Rights Commission has determined that the act of handcuffing a suspect for an extended period during investigation infringes on the constitutional right to physical freedom.

On the 7th, the Human Rights Commission announced that it recommended the chief of A Police Station to clearly educate the affiliated investigation department officers on the requirements and precautions for handcuff use. The commission stated, "The act of using handcuffs for a long time during suspect interrogation does not comply with the requirements, limits, and procedures for handcuff use."

Earlier, the commission received a complaint that a suspect who voluntarily appeared at the police station was handcuffed for four hours during the investigation. The police station explained that the suspects were handcuffed during the investigation according to the 'Crime Investigation Regulations' due to their criminal records, flight risk, and concerns about self-harm from psychological distress.

However, the Human Rights Commission rejected the police's claims, stating that it was difficult to clearly see the suspects' flight risk and that there was no evidence to justify concerns about extreme self-harm or assault. The fact that the investigator omitted the reasons for handcuff use in the investigation process confirmation document, contrary to the police agency's internal guideline 'Handcuff Use Guidelines,' also served as a basis for this judgment.