Truth and Reconciliation Commission Decides to Investigate Human Rights Violations in 'Abducted Returning Fishermen Case'

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has decided to investigate the truth regarding the 'Human Rights Violations including National Security Law Violations involving the Repatriated Fisherman Jang Mo and Others.'

Kim Kwang-dong, Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Yonhap News

On the 20th, the TRC announced at its 91st meeting that it had decided to investigate the truth concerning a total of 17 individuals related to the case, including applicant Jang.

The case involves Jang and others residing on Imjado Island, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, in June 1969, along with their relatives and village residents, who were subjected to harsh treatment and forced testimonies on charges such as praising North Korea or failing to report hearing such praise. They were also convicted for violating the National Security Law and the Anti-Communism Law.

The TRC examined case verdicts, investigation and trial records, and materials related to repatriated fishermen from the Republic of Korea Army Counterintelligence Command. As a result, it was confirmed that investigators from the Jeonnam Provincial Police Department’s Intelligence Division violated the Constitution and laws by arresting the subjects without warrants, illegally detaining them, and coercing testimonies through harsh treatment. It was also revealed that the repatriated fishermen subjects continued to be monitored and surveilled for a long period even after criminal punishment.

The TRC recommended that the state apologize to the victims and their families for the serious human rights violations caused by the unlawful exercise of public authority and take substantial measures such as retrials to restore their damages and honor.