[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) has confirmed the facts of human rights violations by public authority, including the 'Late Shin Kyung-sik’s Forced Withdrawal of Lawsuit Case.'
On the 16th, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced that during its 52nd meeting held on the 14th at the Namsan Square Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, it clarified the truth behind cases such as the 'Late Shin Kyung-sik’s Forced Withdrawal of Lawsuit Case,' the 'May 16 Coup Civilian Gunshot Incident,' and the 'Violation of US Military Government Proclamation No. 2.'
The Late Shin Kyung-sik’s Forced Withdrawal of Lawsuit Case refers to the 1972 incident where state agencies intervened to coerce the individual into relinquishing his patent rights for dyeing technology. At that time, Mr. Shin developed a special textile dyeing technique called 'Holchigi.' However, companies without patents copied the technology, leading Mr. Shin to file patent infringement lawsuits against 26 companies. Although the court ruled that he should be compensated 522 million KRW, Central Intelligence Agency investigators later took him to the Namsan branch office.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission stated, "It was confirmed that Mr. Shin was forcibly detained for six days and suffered violations of his personal rights through illegal means such as violence, threats, and coercion to withdraw the lawsuit," adding, "In this case, following the president’s directive, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and the head of the Central Intelligence Agency systematically intervened, resulting in illegal acts against Mr. Shin and the forced withdrawal of the lawsuit."
The May 16 Coup Civilian Gunshot Incident refers to soldiers mistaking victim Mr. Jo, who was fleeing in panic after hearing gunfire, for a resisting force and opening fire on him. At that time, Mr. Jo sustained a gunshot wound that pierced his right knee and was classified as having a level 4 disability, making normal life difficult to this day. The investigation revealed that the Marine Corps and Airborne Unit involved in the coup entered downtown Seoul and occupied the Central Broadcasting Station located in Namsan. Mr. Jo, who worked at a teahouse near Euljiro Entrance in Jung-gu, Seoul, had a similar route and medical records consistent with the testimony, leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to recognize him as a victim of state violence.
The commission also uncovered the truth about victims who suffered violence from the state during the US military government period. The 1st Truth and Reconciliation Commission had confirmed the case of prisoners and members of the Bodo League detained in prisons in Busan, Masan, and Jinju from July to September 1950, during the southward advance of the government and the South Korean army after the Korean War, who were killed by military police and others. Mr. Shim, who was detained for violating the National Security Act and US Military Government Proclamation No. 2, was also included in the list of victims at Masan Prison. Mr. Shim’s son requested a truth investigation, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began the investigation on October 4 last year.
The commission explained, "It was confirmed that Mr. Shim was arrested by the police and admitted to Masan Prison under the prosecutor’s direction, but it was not possible to confirm whether there was any harsh treatment during the investigation," while also noting, "Although the general amnesty order was implemented on September 27, 1948, and the principle of legality was violated, rendering it unconstitutional and invalid, the court at the time sentenced him guilty based on US Military Government Proclamation No. 2." Furthermore, it judged that "Mr. Shim’s right to a lawful and fair trial and his bodily freedom were violated."
Additionally, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission stated, "This truth investigation revealed the state’s illegal acts," and recommended, "The state and the companies that benefited should officially apologize to the victims and take measures to restore their honor."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
