"Hwaseong Foreigners Detention Center 'Saewookkeokgi' Victims Should Be Immediately Released from Protection"

Joint Countermeasure Committee Statement on Foreign Detention Center Torture Case
"Proper Treatment Needed... Release from Detention is Basic Human Rights Protection"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Amid controversy over a foreigner detained at Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center suffering the so-called 'shrimp breaking' harsh treatment involving binding of limbs, the victim, foreigner A, recently reapplied for temporary release from detention. Civic groups have demanded urgent release to ensure appropriate medical treatment for A.

The 'Joint Countermeasure Committee for the Foreigners' Detention Center Torture Case' (JCC), consisting of over 400 organizations and individuals, issued a statement on the 25th, strongly urging the Ministry of Justice to immediately take full release measures so that torture victim A can focus on treatment and health recovery.

The JCC emphasized, "Despite the shocking harsh treatment inside the detention center becoming public knowledge, the victim is still not separated from the perpetrators within the facility," and stressed, "Urgent release is necessary to protect the most basic human rights."

The JCC demanded release, stating that A has not received proper treatment for pre-existing conditions and has suffered harm from unjust physical restraint torture, requiring specialized medical care. Additionally, as a refugee applicant who must proceed with administrative litigation, release is necessary for data collection and lawsuit preparation.

The JCC said, "Considering the victim's bodily and life safety as the top priority, separation from the perpetrator group and treatment and healing in a free and stable environment are essential, so the victim must be released from the detention center." They added, "We will do our best to guarantee the victim's human rights and help restore health through treatment in a free and stable situation."

A came to Korea to apply for refugee status but was unable to extend their stay and received a deportation order in March this year, after which they were detained at Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi Province. A's legal representatives previously released CCTV footage showing detention center officials binding A with handcuffs and leg restraints. The detention center explained it was an unavoidable measure to prevent self-harm.

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