Abuse of Inmates in Prisons... Human Rights Commission Recommends Corrective Action to Minister of Justice

The National Human Rights Commission announced on September 15 that it had recommended the Minister of Justice take corrective action regarding the inappropriate use of protective equipment in some prisons.

Photo of human rights issues involving prison inmates. National Human Rights Commission

The commission launched an ex officio investigation in November last year after receiving multiple complaints that excessive protective equipment was being used during investigations and disciplinary procedures at a particular prison. For example, one inmate in his 50s claimed he was labeled a suicide risk and forced to wear metal restraints. He also alleged that he suffered mistreatment, such as his wrists being twisted or the restraints being tightened while being transferred to a protection room. The commission stated that its investigation confirmed the excessive enforcement of disciplinary measures at the prison in question.

There were cases where inmates' hands became swollen or discolored due to the excessive use of metal restraints. In addition, there were instances of so-called "binyeokkukgi," a practice in which a guard inserts an arm under the armpit of an inmate wearing metal restraints and presses down on the handcuffs with the inserted arm, causing additional pain to the wrists.

The commission also found numerous cases where required records were missing when disciplinary action was imposed, or where reports on the use of protective equipment were filed only after a significant delay.

The commission emphasized, "Even inmates must have their basic human rights protected," and pointed out, "The use of protective equipment should be strictly limited to the minimum necessary to achieve its purpose, as stipulated by law."