Ministry of Justice Grants Parole to 600 People on Liberation Day... Expands Electronic Monitoring Device Use

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] On the occasion of Liberation Day, over 600 exemplary parolees will be granted parole. Electronic monitoring for parolees will also be expanded.

The Ministry of Justice announced on the 13th, "With the revision and enforcement of the 'Electronic Device Attachment Act,' which mainly expands electronic monitoring for parolees, the scope of electronic monitoring has been broadened," adding, "Among the 600 parolees, electronic monitoring will be imposed on 352 individuals."

These 352 individuals must have electronic devices attached immediately upon release on the day of parole and maintain the devices throughout the parole period. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of parole.

Previously, electronic devices were only attached to parolees who committed specific crimes such as sexual offenses, murder, robbery, or kidnapping of minors. However, following the legal amendment, parolees who require close monitoring of compliance regardless of the type of crime will be required to wear electronic devices.

The subjects and duration of attachment are determined based on investigations conducted by six probation review committees nationwide, which visit the prisons of parole candidates. Once electronic device attachment is decided, probation officers at 57 probation offices nationwide will manage compliance with conditions such as ▲restriction on outings during nighttime hours ▲prohibition from entering high-risk areas on an hourly basis.

However, the Ministry of Justice plans to ease the level of guidance and supervision for parolees under electronic monitoring compared to those convicted of violent crimes such as sexual offenses. Additionally, to reduce human rights infringements, a modified electronic device about two-thirds the size of the existing electronic anklet will be developed and applied.

A Ministry of Justice official stated, "The expansion of electronic monitoring for parolees will minimize blind spots in the management and supervision of criminals," and added, "We will alleviate public anxiety and conduct non-discriminatory guidance and supervision to ensure that the human rights of parolees are not violated."

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