[Yonhap Photo]
South Korean prison authorities rebuffed allegations about the inhumane treatment of a jailed former president, saying that like other inmates, she has been receiving proper medical care and meals in a standard cell equipped with a heated floor, TV, and a flush toilet.
At bedtime, two of three lights are out to reduce illumination to the extent that guards can observe her movement, a justice ministry department in charge of detention facilities said in a statement on Wednesday. "She is housed in a suitable living room."
The statement followed accusations by lawyers that prison authorities committed "serious human rights violations" against Park, who was ousted and jailed after the constitutional court upheld her impeachment on March 10, accusing her of betraying the confidence of voters.
Based on a document supplied by Park's international legal team, CNN quoted lawyers as saying Park was living in a cell that's dirty, cold and constantly lit so she cannot sleep.
Such allegations were made in a draft of a "report on the human rights situation" compiled by the MH Group, which is leading Park's international legal team, CNN said, adding the global consultancy plans to submit the document to the U.N. Human Rights Council (OHCHR).
Park, 65, allegedly suffers from chronic conditions and maladies including chronic lower back pain; osteoarthritis in her knee and shoulder joints; a rare disorder of the adrenal glands; and malnutrition, CNN said. "Her condition is only getting worse and there is no evidence that she is receiving adequate care," the draft said.
The justice ministry's statement insisted Park was given folding mattresses and auxiliary medical supplies in consideration of her back pain. Beds are provided only for "seriously ill patients" who have difficulty in moving, it said.
Along with regular meals, nutrition-conscious diets, and opportunities for enough outdoor exercise, Park has received "appropriate medical care" inside the detention center and special treatment twice at clinics outside, according to the statement. "Opportunities for adequate and sufficient care are guaranteed."
However, Rodney Dixon, a lawyer for Park's international legal team, told CNN that Park was not sleeping on a proper bed, exacerbating her chronic conditions. MH Group President Mishana Hosseinioun urged the Seoul government to take action to ensure Park's rights are not violated.
On Monday, Park challenged her extended detention as political retaliation, insisting she has endured a mental and physical pain enough for six months behind bars. Her seven-member defense team also boycotted court hearings.
Last week, a criminal court in Seoul approved a fresh arrest warrant, allowing prosecutors to extend Park's detention. Since the first hearing was held on May 23, Park has been dragged into the courtroom almost four times a week, although she sometimes skipped court hearings, citing an ache in the toe on her left foot.
Park was indicted for abusing her status and power to coerce businessmen to donate money to nonprofit foundations controlled by her crony, Choi Soon-sil, in return for business favors. She has denied charges of bribery, abuse of authority, coercion and leaking government secrets.
"I hope political retaliation in the name of the rule of law will be punctuated with me," Park said in her first open statement in court.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
