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Amnesty International’s Korea researcher

Wrapping up her two-week investigation into allegations of human rights abuse during the candlelight rallies, Norma Kang Muico, Amnesty International’s Korea researcher, advised the South Korean government to launch “immediate and fair probes into human rights abuses, including excessive use of force by police, at the candlelight demonstrations.” Muico released a report about her investigation in a press conference in Seoul on July 18.

“I can confirm that there were cases of human rights abuse committed by the riot police, including use of excessive force, arbitrary detention, intentional suppression of protesters, brutal and non-humanitarian treatment and penalties and a lack of medical treatment for detainees. South Korea needs to swiftly correct these wrongdoings so as not to erode the democratic gains it has achieved in the past two decades,” Muico said.

“By any standards, the police used excessive force,” Muico said, describing an incident in which a 14-year-old boy was hit in the head by a riot shield and citing massive detentions of people who were just watching the demonstrations. “Overall, the candlelight rallies were held peacefully, but I understand that some protesters used violence and harsh words. Those activities are unacceptable.”

Muico advised the South Korean government to start immediate, fair and independent investigations into allegations of human rights abuses by police, including arbitrary detentions, and ordered the offenders to take responsibility for abusing human rights. Muico also asked that the South Korean government allow victims to receive thorough medical treatment.

In addition, Muico asked that the government improve working conditions for members of the riot police in line with international protocols for the political rights of citizens, the ban on torture and the activities of U.N. law enforcement officials. In addition, Muico asked the South Korean government to train its riot police to protect its citizens.

Muico will submit a report on her investigation to Amnesty International and write a report on the state of human rights in South Korea.

Kim Hee-jin, the head of the global human rights group’s South Korean section, said, “Amnesty International will launch a campaign to call for South Korea to improve its human rights conditions.”

In a statement released the same day, the Ministry of Justice said, “Exercises of public power related to the candlelight protests were fair and the least amount needed to thwart some violent demonstrations. As for claims of human rights abuses, there is a need to thoroughly and carefully verify the facts.”

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