"Supporters Flood Seoul Detention Center With Petitions Demanding Air Conditioner for Yoon Sukyeol's Cell"

Supporters Flood Detention Center With Complaints Over Yoon's Solitary Confinement Conditions
Contact Information Shared Online

Supporters of former President Yoon Sukyeol are flooding Seoul Detention Center, where he is currently being held, with petitions demanding improvements to his detention conditions. Reportedly, they are calling for the installation of an air conditioner in his solitary cell and enhanced medical support.

According to a report by Herald Business on the 11th, supporters of former President Yoon are circulating posts encouraging complaint calls by sharing the phone number, fax number, and email address of Seoul Detention Center. This movement gained momentum after news broke on the 10th that Yoon had been detained and placed in a solitary cell, with supporters urging improvements to his living conditions in the facility.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after completing the pre-arrest detention hearing on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News

One supporter went so far as to share not only the content to be sent by fax but also detailed instructions on how to send a fax, including methods for sending a fax without an actual fax machine. The fax message shared by this supporter stated, "Leaving a person in a place without an air conditioner is tantamount to murder," adding, "We will make sure the international community is informed of this politically motivated retaliatory detention."

Another supporter, who said they had submitted a petition for air conditioner installation, wrote on their Threads account, "I feel guilty even being in a cool place," and added, "Shouldn't we do everything we possibly can?" The supporter also wrote, "It breaks my heart to think of him staying in a cramped space without an air conditioner in this sweltering heat."

Regarding this, an official from Seoul Detention Center told the media, "Since former President Yoon was detained, we have been receiving continuous calls from his supporters. Most of them are requesting the installation of an air conditioner and medical treatment," and added, "However, as correctional facilities are security facilities, we explain that details about internal facilities are classified for security reasons."

Previously, former President Yoon was re-admitted to Seoul Detention Center at around 2 a.m. on the 10th after a detention warrant was issued, marking his return after 124 days. Yoon is being held in a solitary cell of about 2 pyeong in size, which is reportedly smaller than the 3-pyeong solitary cells where former Presidents Lee Myungbak and Park Geunhye stayed. The cell is said to be equipped with a washbasin, toilet, desk that also serves as a dining table, TV, and a foldable blanket. However, there is no air conditioner, and cooling is provided by a fixed fan instead.