An Indian national has petitioned South Korea’s human rights watchdog over alleged mistreatment during his deportation, prompting the Justice Ministry to acknowledge wrongdoing and pledge further action.
An Indian man has filed a complaint with South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission, alleging that immigration officials physically abused him during his forced deportation in August.
The complaint concerns an incident involving staff at the Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center on Aug. 27. The man, identified as an Indian national referred to as “A,” alleges that officials violated his physical freedom and human dignity while escorting him out of the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, his legal representatives submitted the petition on Oct. 2, requesting an investigation into the alleged treatment and the circumstances surrounding his deportation.
The case drew wider attention after video footage was presented during a National Assembly audit of the Justice Ministry on Oct. 8.
Video footage raises questions over deportation procedures
Footage obtained from the Justice Ministry and presented by lawmaker Park Eun-jung reportedly shows officials restraining the man during the deportation process.
According to the complaint and the footage described in media reports, the man was handcuffed and fitted with body restraints. Duct tape was allegedly wrapped around his mouth, and a covering was placed over much of his face.
The man also alleges that officials slapped him and applied pressure to his neck while escorting him toward his flight to India.
The complaint says he repeatedly asked to have his situation explained and sought opportunities to challenge the decision and ask about applying for refugee status. He also reportedly requested access to his mobile phone so he could contact his family and lawyer.
These are allegations submitted as part of the complaint; the human rights commission’s investigation will be important in determining the circumstances and whether his rights were violated.
Justice Ministry acknowledges use of unauthorized equipment was wrong
The allegations prompted questions during a parliamentary audit about whether the methods used by immigration officials were permitted under existing rules.
Justice Ministry Vice Minister Lee Jin-soo acknowledged that duct tape was not an officially designated protective device and said using it in the manner shown during the deportation was clearly wrong.
The ministry said it would investigate the facts and consider disciplinary measures. If evidence of criminal conduct is established, it may refer the matter for a criminal investigation, according to local media reports.
The response places scrutiny on the rules governing restraints and other equipment used when authorities forcibly remove people from South Korea.
Complaint seeks investigation into rights violations
The Indian man’s petition asks the National Human Rights Commission to investigate whether the deportation operation infringed on his physical freedom and dignity, as well as his ability to challenge decisions and seek outside assistance.
The case comes amid broader concerns over procedural safeguards for people held in immigration detention. In August, the human rights commission called for improvements to access to review and temporary-release applications, interpretation services and information about appeal rights.
The latest complaint now puts the conduct of officials during a specific deportation operation under further scrutiny.
The outcome of the investigation could clarify whether disciplinary or other measures are warranted and whether changes to deportation procedures are needed to prevent similar allegations in the future.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
