Chang Ui-Gyun, a publisher of books on ancient Korean History and writer of short stories, poetry and songs, is serving an eight-year prison term in Taejon Prison. He was arrested in July 1987 on his return from Japan and accused of passing state secrets to a North Korean agent and of receiving money from North Korea. He was reportedly denied sleep for ten days after his arrest and allowed only two to three hours sleep for a further fifteen days. At his trial in November 1987 he denied the charges of espionage. His family and supporters claim that medical treatment during his imprisonment has been poor and that he is not allowed letters from supporters outside Korea. Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his release.
