"Appeals Withdrawn to Ensure Swift Relief for Victims"
Jung Sungho: "A Human Rights Violation Caused by Unlawful State Power"
The Ministry of Justice has decided not to file appeals or seek further review in the state compensation lawsuits brought by victims of the Samcheong Education Center.
On September 28, the Ministry of Justice announced in a press release, "To ensure swift relief for the victims, we will withdraw all ongoing appeals and petitions for review. Furthermore, for future cases where a first-instance verdict is rendered, we will forgo appeals unless there are exceptional circumstances."
Samcheong Education Center. Asia Economy DB
The Samcheong Education Center incident occurred in 1980 under martial law, following Martial Law Proclamation No. 13 issued by the National Security Emergency Measures Committee. At that time, approximately 39,000 people were forcibly detained in military camps at the Samcheong Education Center, where they underwent 'purification education' and forced labor. During this process, more than 50 people died due to beatings and harsh treatment, with many more casualties reported.
Currently, 2,045 victims have filed a total of 638 lawsuits for damages against the state, and trials are ongoing.
Minister of Justice Jung Sungho stated, "The Samcheong Education Center incident was a grave human rights violation caused by the unlawful exercise of state power," adding, "From the perspective of national unity, we will support swift relief for the victims so they can be freed from their long-standing suffering."
The Ministry of Justice had previously withdrawn or abandoned appeals in state compensation lawsuits related to the Brothers Home incident and the Seongam School incident.
The Ministry of Justice also announced, "We will continue our efforts to reduce the suffering of victims in lawsuits seeking compensation for illegal acts committed by the state."
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