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S.Korea asks China to probe, apologize for activist`s torture

S.Korea asks China to probe, apologize for activist`s torture

Posted August. 01, 2012 06:10,   

한국어

The South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry on Tuesday requested that China investigate and apologize for the torture of a South Korean activist who was recently released from Chinese custody. The announcement came six days after Kim Young-hwan told a news conference that he was tortured while detained in China.

The ministry said it will see if other South Koreans detained in China were subject to violence through interviews with the South Korean consul in China and take necessary action.

Kim, who is working to help promote human rights in North Korea, said he was subjected to electrical torture while detained in China, leading to a diplomatic row between Seoul and Beijing. He told The Dong-A Ilbo Monday of the details of his torture, saying, "I remember the face of my torturer exactly." In a phone interview Tuesday, he added, "I will consult with my attorney on what responses I can take. I will request that a Chinese court press civil and criminal responsibilities."

Choi Hong-jae, spokesman of a committee for Kim`s release, said, "If China fails to show a sincere attitude to our request for the truth, we will demand a confrontation between Kim and the Chinese investigator and opening of the related report," hinting at demanding identification of the person who tortured Kim and why. China, however, denied abusing or torturing Kim, which will heighten diplomatic conflict between the two countries.

The spokesman`s office of the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said the State Security Ministry investigated the incident on a legal basis, adding Kim`s legal rights and interests were guaranteed and that related content was delivered to the South Korean government.



lightee@donga.com koh@donga.com