Human Rights Commission Recommends Temporary Release for Foreigners Victimized by "Saewookkeokgi" at Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center

"Must Receive Treatment in Stable Conditions" Judgment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 13th, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea recommended the Minister of Justice to take necessary measures such as temporary release from detention to ensure that a foreigner who suffered from the so-called 'shrimp breaking' abuse at the Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center in Gyeonggi Province can receive treatment in a stable environment.

Mr. A, a Moroccan national who was detained at the Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center after receiving a deportation order in March, filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission stating that he suffered from unfair use of protective equipment, verbal abuse, and physical assault by staff, and despite needing psychiatric treatment since admission, he has not received appropriate medical care. He also claimed that he was not guaranteed proper meals or minimum exercise time, worsening his condition.

In response, the detention center explained to the Human Rights Commission that they are supporting the complainant with psychological counseling and external psychiatric treatment, and that they are implementing personnel measures against those involved and improving the system regarding some human rights violations confirmed during the use of protective equipment.

The Human Rights Commission acknowledged that the detention center fulfilled its usual medical care obligations for Mr. A, but considering that he developed trauma from prolonged abuse during detention, which has worsened his anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and insomnia whenever he sees staff, they judged that general treatment alone is insufficient to manage his current condition.

Furthermore, the meals and exercise time provided to Mr. A were deemed inappropriate given his health condition, and continuing such circumstances was judged to be inhumane treatment violating his right to health and bodily freedom. The Human Rights Commission stated, "To maximize the protection of the complainant's human rights, including the right to health, it is best to temporarily release the complainant from detention so that he can receive stable treatment outside the detention facility."

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