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Justice Ministry Investigates Prison Guard Over Alleged Leak of Shincheonji Leader's Detention Records
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Crime & Justice

Justice Ministry Investigates Prison Guard Over Alleged Leak of Shincheonji Leader's Detention Records

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • South Korea's Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations that a prison guard leaked information about Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee's 2020 detention.
  • The allegations suggest the guard, a Shincheonji member, not only leaked records but also attempted to stage a "fall accident" to facilitate Lee's release on bail.
  • Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon vowed a thorough investigation and strict legal action against any wrongdoing, emphasizing the seriousness of the claims given Lee's current detention for a separate case.

South Korea's Ministry of Justice has initiated an investigation into claims that a prison guard leaked sensitive information concerning Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee during his detention in 2020. The allegations specifically point to the potential outflow of records detailing Lee's time in custody.

The truth must be revealed through a thorough investigation, and legal and administrative responsibilities corresponding to the confirmed violations will be imposed.

โ€” Han Dong-hoonSouth Korean Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon commenting on the investigation into leaked prison documents.

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon addressed the issue on Facebook, stating that reports indicated a prison guard, who is reportedly a follower of Shincheonji, not only leaked internal correctional facility documents but also allegedly attempted to orchestrate a "fall accident" to aid Lee's release on bail. Han pledged a rigorous probe to uncover the truth and assured that appropriate legal and administrative measures would be taken against any confirmed violations.

The guard, a Shincheonji follower, allegedly leaked internal correctional facility documents and even attempted to stage a 'fall accident' to facilitate the release on bail.

โ€” Han Dong-hoonSouth Korean Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon describing the allegations against the prison guard.

Lee Man-hee was previously detained in a solitary cell at the Suwon Detention Center in 2020, facing charges related to obstructing COVID-19 prevention efforts. Reports suggest the guard, identified as a Shincheonji member, documented Lee's daily activities, including details like his nighttime bathroom visits and choice of sleepwear, and then transmitted this information externally.

He went to the bathroom twice at night.

โ€” Unnamed Guard (reported)Details allegedly recorded by the guard about Lee Man-hee's activities during detention.

Minister Han highlighted the gravity of the situation, particularly as Lee Man-hee is currently detained again for a separate case involving allegations of "forced mass induction of followers." The investigation aims to thoroughly examine these serious claims and ensure accountability within the correctional system.

Today, he slept wearing a black short-sleeved t-shirt.

โ€” Unnamed Guard (reported)Details allegedly recorded by the guard about Lee Man-hee's activities during detention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.