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The following article is from the Socialist Worker (Canada) No.191 September
1993. For subscriptions write to Socialist Worker Box 339, Station E, Toronto
Ontario, Canada M6H 4E3 ($10 Can; U.S. and Overseas $20.00 Canadian).
 
              South Korea: Defend the Political Prisoners
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Political prisoners at Kongju Prison near Kwangju, South Korea, have mounted an
indefinite hunger strike in support of jailed socialist publisher,
Choi Il-bung.
     Choi, a member of the sister organization of the International Socialists
in South Korea, was sentenced in January of this year to two years'
imprisonment for "anti-state activities" under the repressive National Security
Law.
     In May, Amnesty International adopted Choi as a prisoner of conscience,
declaring that "Choi Il-bung is being held solely for non-violent exercise of
his rights of freedom and association," and calling for his immediate and
unconditional release.
     Political prisoners throughout South Korea tested President Kim Young
Sam's liberal rhetoric by mounting a three-day hunger strike that was due to
end on August 6. They were demanding the abolition of censorship and the
unconditional release of every political prisoner.
     Political prisoners at Kongju Prison made the decision to continue their
hunger strike indefinitely.
     This was in response to a recent incident when Choi Myong Rak, a prison
official, threatened Choi Il-bung, shouting: "Bastards like you don't need to
be corrected. You deserve to be executed."
     Choi's fellow political prisoners decided to carry on their hunger strike
until the prison authorities officially apologize for this incident and
guarantee that it will not be repeated.
     Choi took part in an earlier hunger strike at Anyang Prison in Seoul in
May to protest authorities' censorship of incoming and outgoing mail. His
transfer to Kongju Prison followed this strike.
     The treatment of political prisoners such as Choi, and the recent use of
the police against strikers in plants belonging to Hyundai's business
empire, reveal the lie in President Kim's claims to have brought democracy
to the repressive state of South Korea.
     International pressure has already forced the South Korean government to
reduce Choi's original sentence by three years. Add your name to the list
of supporters to free Choi and all other South Korean socialists.
 
Write to: Committe to Defend South Korean Socialists c/o International
Socialists, PO Box 339, Station "E" Toronto, Ontario M6H 4E3.
 
Choi Il-bung's inspiring "Speech From the Dock," his defence at his treason
trial, has been published and is available at the above address for $5 Canadian