Migrant Worker Tied to Forklift Does Not Seek Punishment for Perpetrator

"No Plans to Submit a Petition to Investigative Authorities"

A video showing a migrant worker in Naju, Jeonnam being tied up with brick products and lifted by a forklift has been released, causing controversy. Provided by Jeonnam Migrant Workers Human Rights Network.

Migrant workers who have suffered human rights violations, such as workplace bullying, reportedly do not wish to seek punishment for the forklift driver who was identified as the perpetrator.

According to the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network and the Jeonnam Labor Rights Center on July 30, a Sri Lankan national, identified as A (31), met with the legal representative of the forklift driver, who was classified as the perpetrator, at a location in Naju, Jeonnam, at around 2 p.m. the previous day and reached an agreement regarding compensation for damages.

Although the specific details were not disclosed, the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network explained that A made this decision because it would be emotionally difficult to undergo investigations by the police and labor authorities in the future, and it would also be burdensome to face the perpetrator in person.

The Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network further clarified that this decision means A does not wish for the forklift driver to be punished, but it does not imply forgiveness.

A representative of the Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network stated, "The victimized migrant worker does not want to suffer further due to past incidents," and added, "There are no plans to submit a letter of non-punishment or a petition to the investigative authorities."

Previously, in February, A suffered human rights violations from a forklift driver at a brick factory in Naju, Jeonnam, where he was employed. A was tied to cargo and hung from a forklift for about five minutes, and after enduring the situation, he sought help from a labor organization, which brought the incident to light.