The South Korean Ministry of Justice revoked Song Kye-ho's parole in retaliation for his protest against the "law-abiding oath system" Song had been released on parole from Uijongbu Prison under a special presidential amnesty in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Korea's National Liberation Day on 15 August 1998.

The Ministry of Justice introduced in August 1998 the "law-abiding oaths system" and demanded that detained prisoners of conscience at each prison signed the statement before their amnesty. Some laws of South Korea infringe on fundamental human rights. Under the oath, the political prisoners must swear to observe the order of laws and not to use any violence before they are released. Moreover, the prosecutor will visit each of them after the oath and examine the genuineness of the oath.

The oath is another act of oppression of the freedom of conscience. Those who agree to abide these laws, including the National Security Law can not participate in social protest. This law violates their right to expression and protest. 

Song said that "After I signed the law-abiding oath, my body was free but my conscience would not let me rest. Even though I am currently imprisoned, my mind is finally at peace." Song is scheduled to be released from prison in May 2000 after serving the remainder of his prison sentence.

Oath-System : An Oppression Against the Conscience

The Constitution of south Korea guarantees the right to freedom of expression, such as the right to demand the abolition of the
law-abiding oath or other improvements in the legal system, and there is no justification for violating this right.

While it is possible to revoke an early release in cases where the person is a threat to society. Song merely expressed his opinion and was working on a farm at the time of his arrest. The Ministry of Justice is abusing a broad interpretation of the law to arbitrarily detain Song.

The "Law-Abiding Oath System" was imposed in 1998 and the Ministry of Justice demanded that detained prisoners of conscience at each prison sign the statement before the 15 August 1998 amnesty. Some prisoners of conscience signed the oath and were released.

Song participated in a sit-in protest at Myongdong Cathedral, demanding the repeal of the system. As soon as Song began participating in protest action, the Ministry's Parole Review Committee decided to revoke his parole.

Song finished his protest actions and moved to Naju, a town in South Cholla Province. He was arrested in the area and imprisoned at Soon-chun Prison.


RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please write emails, letters or faxes requesting the
following:

• urge South Korean government to repeal the "Law-abiding Oath System" and the National Security Act.
• urge Song's -unconditionally released immediately.

SEND APPEALS TO:

President Kim Dae-jung
The Blue House
1 Sejong-no, Chong-no ku
Seoul, (110-050), south Korea
Fax: +822 770-0253
Email: webmaster@cwd.go.kr

Minister Kim Jung-kil
c/o the Ministry of Justice
1 Chungang-dong, Kwachon-si
Kyongi-do Province, (427-760), south Korea
Fax: +822 504-3337

COPIES TO:
Diplomatic representatives of South Korea accredited to your country