Ministry of Justice Opens Gangwon Northern Prison... Minister Chu Emphasizes "Efforts for a Human Rights-Centered Fair Society"

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] Gangwonbukbu Prison, established in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, held its opening ceremony on the 20th and began operations.

Until now, the northern Gangwon region had no new correctional facilities built for 50 years since the opening of Gangneung Prison, and some detainees awaiting trial were temporarily held in the detention facilities of Sokcho Police Station. However, compared to detainees held in general correctional facilities, they faced restrictions in accommodation, exercise, visitation, and hygiene management, raising concerns about human rights violations.

With the opening of Gangwonbukbu Prison, systematic and stable inmate management has become possible. In particular, it is expected to serve as a minimum-security facility housing suspects detained by the Sokcho Branch of the Prosecutor's Office, defendants detained in the first trial at the Chuncheon District Court Sokcho Branch, and inmates with relatively short sentences.

Especially, the Ministry of Justice designed the facility's exterior as a low-rise, dispersed structure to minimize resistance to correctional facilities and harmonize with the surrounding environment. It was also built as an eco-friendly facility using a geothermal system. Sports facilities such as a gymnasium and tennis courts will be open to local residents.

Attending the opening ceremony, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae expressed, "I would like to thank the citizens of Sokcho for their open-minded acceptance, which made the successful construction of Gangwonbukbu Prison possible," and added, "We will strive for a comfortable country where the people are respected, and a fair society centered on human rights and the livelihood of the people."

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