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Two members of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) were arrested and detained January 18 for allegedly violating the South Korean National Security Law. Middle school teachers Choi Hwa-seop and Kim Maeng-gyu were arrested after posting information about North Korean politics on the internet for educational purposes.

The two teachers, both of whom have won awards for their contributions to peace education, await trial on charges that potentially carry the penalty of death.

On January 26, a judge rejected the union’s appeal to review the legality of the teachers’ detention, and three days later the two teachers were sent to Seoul Prison, where they remain today.

On their website, KTU asserts that “the National Security Law has often been used to control dissent in the labor movement and to stifle political debate.

Amnesty International and many other organizations have repeatedly called for reform of the law to allow for basic rights to speech and association.”

Education International (EI), the global union federation of which KTU is an affiliate, has called for Choi Hwa-seop and Kim Maeng-gyu’s immediate release.

To condemn the teachers’ detention and demand their immediate release, write to the President of the Republic of Korea, at: H.E. Mr Noh Moo-hyun, President of the Republic, Korean Presidential House, Chongwadae, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

You can also fax your letter to +82-2-770-4937, or to the following government officials (fax # in parentheses): Prime Minister Han Myeong-suk (82-2-2100-2110); Minister of Justice Kim Seong-ho (82-2-2110-3079); and Minister of Education Kim Sin-il (82-2-2100-6009).

Expiration Date:
Mon, 04/30/2007 - 11:59pm