Attorney Shin Pyung Shares Visit with Former President Yoon
"Appalling Living Conditions, Truly a Living Hell"
"Harsh Political Retaliation Against a Former President"
On the 27th, Shin stated on his social networking service (SNS), "On the 25th, I visited former President Yoon in my capacity as his lawyer," and began by saying, "I heard truly astonishing and heartbreaking stories from him."
According to Shin, the solitary cell where former President Yoon is being held is only about 1.7 or 1.8 pyeong (approximately 5.6 or 6 square meters) in size, with no desk or chair, and only a cardboard stand. Shin expressed concern, stating, "He can only crouch down to eat with difficulty and place his Bible on the stand to read; otherwise, he is unable to engage in any intellectual activity," and added, "He also mentioned that he is struggling with digestive issues because he cannot exercise at all."
He continued, "When he lies down at night, there is no room to move at all," describing the living conditions as "a living hell." He said, "Even former Presidents Park Geunhye and Lee Myungbak did not experience such harsh conditions," and added, "This is an environment perfectly suited to realize the malicious remark made by Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byungki, who said, 'He must die in prison.'"
Shin also reported, "There are several signs of health problems, but strangely, his face looked clear and he exuded a very peaceful aura," and added, "When I mentioned this to him, he smiled gently and agreed. As I left the meeting, I was overwhelmed with sorrow." Former President Yoon reportedly told Shin, "It would be best if today's conversation is not made public," while holding his hand. However, Shin explained that he could not suppress his growing anger as time passed, and decided to post the details on SNS, disregarding Yoon's request.
The solitary confinement cell inside Seoul Detention Center where former President Yoon is incarcerated. The actual internal arrangement may differ. Photo by Yonhap News
Shin characterized the detention of former President Yoon as "part of a harsh political retaliation." He appealed to the United States and other Western countries to intervene in the situation. He emphasized, "As a constitutional law scholar and former president of the Korean Constitutional Law Association, I earnestly petition the United States and other Western nations, which have historically valued human rights," and continued, "I implore you to swiftly and appropriately intervene to confirm the dark side of this abnormal state in Korea, where such inhumane and barbaric human rights abuses are being carried out as part of harsh political retaliation against a former president, and to ensure that these abuses are stopped."
Regarding the claims of "human rights abuses" made by former President Yoon and conservative figures, the Ministry of Justice has consistently issued rebuttals. On the 13th, the Ministry of Justice released a statement saying, "The detention cell is the same as a standard solitary cell and is equipped with basic amenities such as a fan." The ministry also stated, "Under correctional regulations, outdoor exercise is guaranteed according to the same standards as for ordinary inmates, and to prevent unnecessary contact, exercise is conducted individually."
Former President Yoon was re-detained at Seoul Detention Center on the 10th. After being transferred to the detention ward, he has been living in a solitary cell slightly under 3 pyeong (9.9 square meters), specifically in the 2-pyeong range. The cell contains bedding, a TV, a folding table, a sink, and a toilet, with a fan mounted on the wall. There is no bed; instead, he sleeps on bedding laid out on the floor.
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