March 29, 2024
News

Seoul court rules against North Korean defectors who accused spy agency of abuse

Defectors say they were unlawfully detained and tortured during resettlement process, raising human rights concerns

A South Korean court has ruled against two North Korean defectors who sued Seoul’s spy agency for alleged illegal detainment and torture, in a case that experts say underscores the need to protect defectors’ human rights when they first arrive in the South.

Court records obtained by NK News show that the Seoul High Court rejected the defectors’ claim that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) unlawfully detained them and subjected them to harsh interrogation methods during mandatory resettlement procedures.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.