Handonghun: "Defectors Fishermen Should Be Punished in Our Country, Not Repatriated to North Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon reiterated regarding the 'Forced Repatriation of North Korean Fishermen' incident, "Even if the same case occurs, it is a matter that should be punished according to our judicial system, not repatriated in violation of the Constitution and laws."

On the afternoon of the same day, before meeting Lee Jong-hyup, President of the Korean Bar Association, at the Korean Bar Association in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Minister Han told reporters, "The choice of the Republic of Korea, a democratic rule-of-law country, is naturally the latter."

He also added, "Just because someone claims that 2 plus 2 equals 5 does not mean there is room for debate that 2 plus 2 equals 4." Minister Han also stated at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee full meeting the previous day that there was "no legal basis for repatriation then, nor now."

Regarding whether the Ministry of Justice, which concluded there was no legal basis for repatriation in the 2019 incident, actually conveyed this to the Blue House, he refrained from commenting, saying, "It is not something to speculate on, but a matter to be revealed through investigation."

Concerning the convening of the Prosecutor General Candidate Recommendation Committee for the appointment of the Prosecutor General, a position long vacant, he said, "It is likely possible within August," and added, "Since there is precedent, it is not about postponing or advancing the schedule, but proceeding step by step according to the procedure."

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