South Korea: Reported illegalities and ill-treatment in the latest “spy” case

More than 90 people, including leading members of opposition parties, students, and trade unionists were arrested and interrogated by the ANSP in late August and September 1992. The ANSP claimed to have uncovered the largest communist organization in South Korea since the 1940s, allegedly led by a high-ranking North Korean official. AI is concerned about reports of violations which occurred during this operation. Many prisoners, such as Kim Nak-jung, Choi Ho-Kyong and Hwang In-uk were reportedly arrested illegally, without warrants of arrest. Members of their families, including a three-year-old child, were also detained. Prisoners were reportedly detained incommunicado during interrogation, in most cases for 22 days. Many have alleged torture during interrogation.

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