Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback National Human Rights Commission of Korea - Complaint Summaries

Human Rights Violation during Investigation of a Minor Suspect [2005] KRNHRC 3 (1 January 2005)

A minor suspect (aged 17) committed suicide the day after he was released from
interrogation for a suspicion of sexual violation at a police station. His parents got to
know about the interrogation only after his suicide. The family insisted that the police
failed to notify them of the investigation and raised a question whether his son's death
was related with the interrogation.

The Commission found that the police failed to notify the minor's parents of the arrest.
Consequently, it was confirmed that the minor was interrogated overnight for 22 hours
without the aid of a guardian or attorney.

The Commission recommended the Attorney General to call attention of the entire
police officers to proper procedures on interrogation of minors. The Commission also
recommended the local district attorney to take disciplinary actions against the officers
who interrogated the minor. In addition, the Commission asked for legal aid from
Korea Legal Aid Corporation to help the minor's family receive punitive reparation
from the government.