(IPI/IFEX) – IPI is once again raising the case of Hong Suk-hyun and the “Joongang Ilbo”. Accused of tax evasion, Hong is currently in custody awaiting the opening of his trial on 19 November 1999. **Updates IFEX alerts of 12 October and 30 September 1999** IPI is concerned that the case against Hong may be […]
(IPI/IFEX) – IPI is once again raising the case of Hong Suk-hyun and the
“Joongang Ilbo”. Accused of tax evasion, Hong is currently in custody
awaiting the opening of his trial on 19 November 1999.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 12 October and 30 September 1999**
IPI is concerned that the case against Hong may be a retaliatory strike
against the “Joongang Ilbo”‘s critical coverage of the current government.
IPI trusts that Hong will be tried by an impartial judiciary, allowing both
the prosecution and the defence to put forward their arguments in a fair and
transparent manner. However, IPI firmly believes that there is absolutely no
necessity to detain Hong before the court reaches any decision. A
fundamental principle of justice demands that all citizens must be
considered innocent until proven guilty. Moreover, the prosecutor could not
be concerned that the defendant might skip bail, as South Korea requires all
citizens to obtain an exit visa before leaving the country, effectively
ensuring that Hong will not leave the country until this matter is resolved.
There can also be no question of covering up evidence as all relevant
documents have been seized by the authorities.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
Hong’s detention is really necessary in the interests on justice, while
appreciating that remand is essentially a matter for the courts
statements and the prosecutor’s indictment indicate that the charges laid
against Hong are considerably lesser than originally indicated by the tax
authorities (Two charges of tax evasion as opposed to ten cited by the tax
authority; indicted for evading 2.5 billion won using nine borrowed name
accounts as opposed to the tax authority accusation of evading 27.8 billion
won using 1,071 borrowed name accounts)
continued incarceration at such an early stage in the judicial proceedings
is highly questionable and blemishes South Korea’s international reputation
Appeals To
His Excellency Kim Dae-jung
President
Office of the President
Seoul, South Korea
Fax: +82 2 855 1913
E-mail page: http://www.bluehouse.go.kr/e_mail_president.html
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
