Human rights body dismisses petitions for Yoon's jail air conditioner

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has dismissed dozens of petitions submitted by supporters requesting the installation of an air conditioner in the solitary cell of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is currently detained. The commission announced on May 30th that these petitions, filed after Yoon was transferred to Seoul Detention Center in July of the previous year, were rejected on February 23rd.

According to the NHRCK, the decision to dismiss the petitions was based on the provision in the National Human Rights Commission Act that allows for the dismissal of complaints when the alleged victim clearly does not wish to participate in an investigation. The commission noted that Yoon had submitted a "refusal to investigate" form, indicating his unwillingness to proceed with the inquiry.

In total, 104 third-party complaints alleging human rights violations against Yoon were filed with the NHRCK over a two-month period. The most frequent complaint, accounting for 80 cases, concerned "human rights violations due to poor correctional facility environments," specifically the lack of an air conditioner in his cell. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to allocate 1.2 billion won this year to improve cooling systems in correctional facilities, prioritizing areas housing inmates vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. This initiative has faced criticism regarding the use of taxpayer money for inmates, but the ministry defended it as a minimal measure to protect the life and safety of vulnerable individuals.