Shin Chang-won "Unfair to monitor even while using the restroom via CCTV"... Human Rights Commission Partially Acknowledges Complaint

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Shin Chang-won (53), a long-term prisoner well known as an 'escapee,' filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), arguing that it is unfair to monitor him with prison closed-circuit television (CCTV). In response, the NHRCK partially acknowledged the intent of Shin's complaint, stating that his behavior during incarceration should be comprehensively reviewed.

On the 12th, the NHRCK recommended that the Ministry of Justice reexamine Shin's solitary confinement and the use of electronic video equipment for supervision (guarding and protection), and establish reasonable standards regarding these measures. Previously, Shin filed the complaint stating, "Although I escaped in 1997 and attempted suicide in 2011, I have lived without punishment inside the prison to date, yet I am exposed even while using the restroom through the CCTV installed in the living room." According to Shin, solitary confinement and electronic video supervision have continued for over 20 years. Shin was serving a life sentence for murder since 1989 and escaped from Busan Prison in 1997. After being captured in 1999, an additional sentence of 22 years and 6 months was added, and he has remained incarcerated since then.

Regarding Shin's complaint, the prison responded, "The complainant may at any time engage in acts that threaten the safety and order of the facility and there is a risk of escape again," adding, "Electronic equipment is used within the necessary scope to prevent this." However, according to the NHRCK investigation, Shin has not received any additional punishment beyond the penalty for his escape. Psychological correctional evaluations conducted every three years show that his scores on each scale are below the standards set by the Ministry of Justice, indicating a level similar to that of general inmates.

The NHRCK stated, "While it falls under the discretion to secure safety and order within the prison, there was no comprehensive review of the complainant's personality test results and behavior during incarceration, nor efforts to minimize restrictions on fundamental rights when deciding whether to continue these measures," and concluded, "It is necessary to establish reasonable standards at the Ministry of Justice level."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.