Exposure of Handcuffs and Restraints: "Humiliation and Political Retaliation"
Missing Meals and Unable to Receive Treatment During Trial Appearances
Former President Yoon Sukyeol has requested bail from the court, stating that "it is extremely difficult to survive in solitary confinement at the detention center." His attorney added, "When former President Yoon attends court, he often has instant noodles and hardtack for lunch."
Former President Yoon Sukyeol attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 26th. Photo by Asia Economy Database
On the 29th, Yoon's attorney, Kim Gyeri, released details of his argument from the bail hearing held on the 26th before the 35th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Baek Daehyun) through his YouTube channel.
According to Attorney Kim, the trial for the insurrection case typically begins around 10 a.m. and continues into the evening. Due to the need for individual security, former President Yoon must finish preparing to leave the detention center by around 7 a.m., earlier than other inmates. As a result, it is difficult for him to have a proper breakfast, and he often substitutes lunch with instant noodles and hardtack.
He stated, "Dinner at the detention center ends at 4:30 p.m. If he returns after the trial, there is either no dinner available or, if notified in advance, only a small portion of rice is prepared." He continued, "The defendant is scheduled to attend all trials, which will be held four times a week, and if he also has to appear for the special prosecutor's investigation, it is no exaggeration to say that weekends are the only days he can have a proper meal."
Attorney Kim further emphasized, "Such a schedule severely undermines the defendant's chronic illnesses and health. Beyond the lack of protection for his right to defense, this situation could threaten his eyesight and even his life, making it a matter of human rights protection." Previously, former President Yoon claimed that, despite being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, he has not received treatment for three months, increasing the risk of blindness.
Additionally, he pointed out that images of former President Yoon wearing handcuffs, restraints, and an electronic anklet during external medical treatment were exposed to the media. He argued, "Under the absurd pretext of the public's right to know, the defendant's private life is being thoroughly disclosed," and added, "Forcing a former president of advanced age to wear handcuffs and restraints and exposing this to the public is both an act of humiliation and political retaliation against the defendant."
Meanwhile, former President Yoon has been absent from the insurrection trial for 12 consecutive sessions since being re-detained on July 10. The court is currently deliberating whether to grant bail.
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