This document summarizes AI’s concerns in South Korea regarding the violation of certain internationally recognized human rights. AI has received many reports of torture and ill-treatment in detention; allegations concerning Pang Yang-kyun, Suh Kyung-won, Hong Song-dam, members of Sanomaeng, Kyong Pyong-chin, Park Deuk-joon and members of the teachers’ union Chunkyojo are reported. AI is concerned about long-term political prisoners, sentenced after trials which may not have been fair; these include Shin Kui-yong, Kim Song-man, Hwang Tae-Kwon and Kang Ki-hun. A number of “unconverted” prisoners appear to remain in prison because of their refusal to renounce their alleged communist views. Other concerns are the use of the National Security Law and the death penalty.
