Ministry of Justice Discloses Detention Cell Amid Special Treatment Allegations
The Ministry of Justice has released footage of the interior of a detention cell at the Seoul Detention Center in an effort to refute claims of preferential treatment concerning former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The ministry presented a video walkthrough of the actual living space to address allegations that he was utilizing multiple rooms.
Video Evidence of Single Cell Occupancy
On the 10th, the Ministry of Justice uploaded a 2-minute and 14-second video to its official YouTube channel, ‘Justice TV,’ titled ‘First Public Release of the Cell Where Former President Yoon is Detained.’ The video showcases a solitary confinement cell measuring 6.76 square meters, approximately 2 pyeongs, with a design that does not include an attached bathroom.
The space is depicted as barely large enough for an adult male to lie down. The footage shows shoes being stored on a shelf outside the cell’s iron door, as storage within the confined area is limited. Inside, a single fan, a small shelf for personal belongings, a basic manual with rules for detainees, a calendar, and a television were visible.
The video also included scenes of a detainee creating a temporary shelf using a thick cardboard box, placing a plastic shelf and a tray on top for meals. This visual demonstration aimed to illustrate the practicalities of living in such a confined space.
Ministry Explains Detention Policies
In the video, ministry officials explained, “Detainees are housed based on health conditions, lifestyle, and categorized management criteria. Each cell is managed independently, and detainees are not permitted to enter other cells at their own discretion.” They emphasized, “No one making waves in the world is exempt from the iron gate. What operates here is not special treatment, but a principle.”
Addressing Previous Allegations
Previously, some YouTubers had alleged that former President Yoon was using multiple detention rooms with their doors open and freely moving between them. Claims were also made that the detention center staff were providing him with special cleaning services, or that his living conditions had significantly improved since his detainment.
In response, the Ministry of Justice stated on the 26th of last month, “Former President Yoon is using only one solitary confinement cell, identical to those for general detainees, and there are no special cleaning services.”
Detention Visit Regulations Revised
The ministry has also initiated revisions to regulations concerning attorney visits, addressing the controversy surrounding former President Yoon’s frequent consultations. According to the Ministry of Justice’s online civil service portal, a real-time reservation system for general attorney visits began implementation at 9 AM yesterday.
Previously, attorney visit reservations were virtually unlimited. However, going forward, the number of reservations within the same time slot will be restricted to 30-minute intervals, depending on the conditions of the facilities at each driving range and detention center.
It has been identified that the Seoul Detention Center, where former President Yoon is currently held, has limited attorney visit reservations within the same time slot to three instances. Previously, it was reported that former President Yoon had a total of 538 visits during his 319-day detention period across two phases, averaging approximately 1.7 visits per day. This frequency had led to accusations of infringing upon the visitation rights of other detainees.
Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho stated during a live-streamed ‘Monthly Working Meeting’ on April 4th, “While the visitation rights of detainees must be maximally protected, continuously visiting throughout the entire day is problematic.” He added, “Former President Yoon occupies one room all day and receives visits from various lawyers, which impacts others.” He consequently ordered the Ministry of Justice to develop revised institutional measures.
