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Korean activists demand release of political prisoners

Releasing all prisoners of conscience will be a first step towards full democracy in South Korea, they say
Korean activists demand release of political prisoners

Activists from five Korean religions demand the release of political prisoners at a gathering in Seoul. (Photo supplied)

Published: December 20, 2017 08:08 AM GMT
Updated: December 20, 2017 08:08 AM GMT

Activists from various religions in South Korea have demanded President Timothy Moon Jae-in release all prisoners of conscience.

The activists representing Buddhism, Catholicism, indigenous Cheondogyo, Won Buddhism and Protestantism made the demand at a joint press conference at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza.

"Six months have passed since the start of Moon’s administration and there are still people detained in prison after being jailed for their beliefs and ideologies by the administrations of presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye," they said in a statement.

"We demand that the government release all prisoners of conscience within this year," they said.

The press conference was held recently to mark Human Rights Day and was also attended by members of the Seoul archdiocesan Committee for Justice and Peace.

"Many prisoners of conscience are detained nationwide because of their calls for justice and fairness. Releasing all such prisoners without exception will be the first step to restoring full democracy in Korea," Franciscan Father Aloisius Kim Jong-hwa said.

He called on the government to grant an amnesty at Christmas and said, "as Jesus Christ came to this world to show life and peace, we should work for a just and peaceful world by releasing these prisoners."

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