The NHRC will inspect the Prosecutors" Office in Seoul (11-08-2002)
The National Human Rights Commission will conduct an on-site inspection in the Seoul District Prosecutors" Office where a suspect was found dead. The authority of the NHRC to conduct an "on-site inspection" is based on provision 3 under paragraph 1 of Article 36 on the National Human Rights Commission. The NHRC can investigate or evaluate any place, facility or material as deemed related to matters subject to investigation.
An "on-site inspection" is different from an "inspection of the scene of the incident" in that in the former case complainants and respondents do not attend the site at the time of the investigation whereas in the latter case they do. This on-site inspection will be held behind closed doors.
The NHRC will examine whether the statements which suspects have given comply with the real structures of the investigation office and detention office where one suspect had been killed.
Previously, on 4 November, the NHRC had requested the National Police Agency, the Prosecutors Office and the Relief Agency to submit some documents related to this incident. Although the National Police Agency and The Relief Agency have already sent the materials which the Commission had requested the Prosecutors Office failed to meet the first deadline on 7 November and has yet to submit the materials to the NHRC, and has thereby been hindering the NHRC investigation. After the on-site inspection, the NHRC will ask the Prosecutors Office again to submit the previously requested materials.
