S.Korean activist urges enactment of NK human rights law

S.Korean activist urges enactment of NK human rights law. August. 04, 2012 07:55. sungho@donga.com lightee@donga.com.

Human rights activist Kim Young-hwan urged Friday the passage of a law on North Korean human rights, adding he will continue activities in (South) Korea to promote North Korea human rights and support those who work abroad for the cause.

Attending a human rights forum at the National Assembly, Kim said, “The deportation of my colleagues and I from China has negatively affected human rights activities for North Korea, but I believe this incident will pave the way for a bigger movement over the long term."

In response to a comment by Rep. Suh Sang-kee of the ruling Saenuri Party that opposition parties opposed the passage of the bill on the North Korea human rights law, Kim said, “North Korea might react hysterically in the first year, but I`m sure the law will prove to be useful over the long term.”

“I hope both the ruling and opposition parties will work together for the passage of the bill by compromising on and improving the bill."

Kim described the electric torture that he suffered in China, saying, “Chinese investigators used electric batons, and the part where electric current flows flashed. The baton made a horrible, bug-burning noise like the one you hear when a mosquito or mayfly gets an electric shock by being caught at an electric net. The baton was visually and audibly threatening.”

He said his interrogators had to change huge batteries because the torture lasted for a long time.

The South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry was to have its consuls interview all 625 South Korean detainees in China, but with Kim’s testimony, the ministry announced Friday that it seeks consular access to all 1,600 detainees in 35 countries.

The ministry will ask for stringent measures, including punishment of those responsible and plans to prevent a recurrence.