2008.08.21
The NHRCK recommended to the Seoul Central District Court that Article 7 of the National Security Law be thoroughly interpreted, as it deals with freedom of expression and greatly affects the protection and promotion of human rights.
Petitioners uploaded and shared information about North Korea in a private internet café; they were subsequently arrested and prosecuted for violation of the National Security Law on January 18, 2007.
The international community has continuously and repeatedly expressed deep concern regarding the National Security Law. During the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2008, several representatives, inter alias the representative from the United States, recommended amendment of the National Security Law to prevent the abuse of law interpretation. Representatives questioned whether the vague wording of the National Security Law is used to arbitrarily arrest, detain, or threaten individuals and whether the government plans to amend the Law to prevent limits on freedom of expression.
The Commission submitted its opinion to the Seoul Central District Court, urging the court in charge to respond to the continual concern from the international community regarding the National Security Law and its effects on freedom of expression. The NHRCK hopes the verdict of this case can be a stepping stone for promoting freedom of expression.
