hankyoreh

Amnesty International’s Korea researcher.

“The candlelight demonstrations seem very peaceful. Citizens have the right to express their opinions freely and their government must guarantee it.”

Norma Kang Muico, 41, Amnesty International’s Korea researcher, arrived in South Korea on July 4 to investigate allegations of human rights abuse during the candlelight rallies. In a press conference at the Incheon International Airport, Muico said, “I have been closely watching the candlelight demonstrations related to beef issue in South Korea over the past several months. As the level of violence has recently grown, Amnesty International decided to send an investigator to South Korea.”

The London-based human rights group has been receiving a significant number of messages about the candlelight demonstrations in South Korea and requests to probe a violent police crackdown on the rallies, according to an official at the South Korean section of Amnesty International.

“I came to South Korea because I felt the situation was serious,” Muico said. “However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the state of human rights in South Korea is bad overall.”

“During my two-week stay in South Korea, I will meet with various people and investigate cases of human rights infringement,” Muico said. “Since the situation is very complex, I will conduct the investigation with an open mind and report my findings.”

The official at the South Korean section of Amnesty International said, “A specific timetable for the investigation hasn’t been fixed, but the probe will involve citizens and cases of human rights infringement by the police. Government agencies will be probed in the latter part of investigation.”

An Amnesty International report is not legally binding, but has significantly credibility in the international community. It is one of the major points of access to efforts to protect humanity and human rights in South Korea.

Muico is a British national who lived in South Korea for a brief period of time. Her mother is Korean. Muico’s present role at Amnesty International revolves around human rights issues in East Asia. Last year, she covered human rights issues in North Korea.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]