Truth and Reconciliation Commission Decides to Investigate Human Rights Violations of Fishermen Returned from Abduction

Investigation Agencies Illegally Detain Abducted Seamen
Suspected of Espionage Orders, Subjected to Surveillance and Inspection
Imposed Disadvantages Such as Employment Restrictions

The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) announced on the 30th that it held the 79th committee meeting on the 28th and decided to investigate the truth regarding human rights violations against fishermen who were abducted to the North and later returned on the Yongjinho and the 7th Manchangho.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The incident refers to the case of eight crew members of the Yongjinho who were abducted while returning after fishing in the East Sea in March 1967 and were investigated under illegal detention immediately after their return. They were later prosecuted for violating the Anti-Communism Act and tried, but the Supreme Court ultimately acquitted them.

According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's investigation, intelligence agencies monitored the crew members for several years, suspecting that they had returned under espionage orders. The crew members and their families were also placed under surveillance, and it was revealed that they suffered disadvantages in employment.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission also decided to investigate the human rights violations against the crew members of the 7th Manchangho.

Six crew members of the 7th Manchangho were abducted during fishing operations in November 1964 and returned in December of the same year, after which they were investigated under illegal detention. They were punished for violating the Fisheries Act. It was confirmed that investigative agencies had also monitored these crew members and their families over a long period.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended that the government apologize to the fishermen abducted to the North and returned, and take appropriate measures to restore the damages and honor of their families.