hankyoreh

Justice Minister.

Justice Minister Lee Kwi-nam announced Tuesday that the ministry plans to reintroduce the protective custody system that was abolished in 2005 in order to actively address criminals who have committed brutal crimes. The Justice Minister Lee also said that he plans to pursue the installation of the execution wing of Cheongsong Prison located in North Gyeongsang Province, which houses prisoners convicted of violent crimes.

This announcement comes in the wake of the sexual assault and murder case of a middle school student in Busan City, however, it is likely to lead to heated debate over whether South Korea will reinstate the death penalty. South Korea has not carried out the death penalty in twelve years and was classified by Amnesty International as “abolitionist in practice.”

Justice Minister Lee visited Cheongsong Prison on the same day and said, “The Ministry will propose a revision bill for the Criminal Code in order to reintroduce the protective custody system for segregating brutal criminals within the year.” He added, “The Justice Ministry will pursue measures to designate Cheongsong Prison as the location of protective custody.” The protective custody system was abolished five years ago because it received heated criticism for placing convicted criminals under double jeopardy. In the past, the government confined individuals convicted of brutal crimes in order to prevent possible future crimes even though the convicts had served their entire prison sentence.

Lee said, “This system will not be unconstitutional if we solidify our intentions behind the protective custody system by developing a program for education and healing for inmates.” The Justice Minister also said, “We have also made the decision that we will not allow parole for child sex offenders and repeat sex offenders.”

Justice Minister Lee also ordered Justice Ministry officials to prepare the execution wing of Cheongsong Prison. When questioned by reporters who asked, “Does this order indicate that the Justice Ministry wants to send death row inmates to Cheongsong Prison?” Lee replied, “This order was made with actual executions in mind.”

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