Family files for release of records on North Korea's killing

2022. 5. 25. 18:11
글자크기 설정 파란원을 좌우로 움직이시면 글자크기가 변경 됩니다.

이 글자크기로 변경됩니다.

(예시) 가장 빠른 뉴스가 있고 다양한 정보, 쌍방향 소통이 숨쉬는 다음뉴스를 만나보세요. 다음뉴스는 국내외 주요이슈와 실시간 속보, 문화생활 및 다양한 분야의 뉴스를 입체적으로 전달하고 있습니다.

Kim Ki-yun, attorney representing the Lee family, speaks to reporters outside the Presidential Archives building in Sejong, North Chungcheong Province, on Wednesday. On his left is Lee Rae-jin, the deceased man’s older brother. (courtesy of Lee)

The family of Lee Dae-jun, the man killed by North Korean soldiers at sea about a year and a half ago, filed for the release of information now archived as presidential records on Wednesday.

“The court sided with the family last November, and ordered Cheong Wa Dae to release the information on the case,” the attorney representing the family, Kim Ki-yun, told reporters outside the Presidential Archives building in Sejong, North Chungcheong Province.

“But Cheong Wa Dae appealed the court order, and then designated the information as part of the presidential records as the president (Moon Jae-in) left office,” he said. Once archived, the information is off limits to public for at least 15 years, possibly longer.

According to data from the Ministry of Interior and Safety, the number of records archived by Moon to be kept secret stands at 393,000 -- nearly double that of his predecessor Park Geun-hye’s 204,000, who was impeached before she could finish her term.

It’s unlikely that Wednesday’s request would lead to a disclosure.

Unlocking presidential records requires approval from more than two thirds of the National Asssembly or a warrant issued by the chief justice of a high court.

The family is seeking the information in hopes it could aid court efforts in holding the people responsible accountable, including those in North Korea. The attorney said the family also has the right to know the run-up to, during and after what would constitute an extrajudicial killing of a loved one.

Among the information the family has asked for the release of are the first reports made to the Coast Guard and the defense authorities at the time Lee went missing, and what the Cheong Wa Dae was doing in the hours leading up to the incident.

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)

By

Copyright © 코리아헤럴드. 무단전재 및 재배포 금지.

이 기사에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?