"Yoon's solitary cell only with air conditioning? All prisons should be equipped," says former correctional head

[Financial News] Some supporters of former President Yoon Seok-yeol have filed complaints demanding "provide air conditioning in the solitary cell where former President Yoon is detained," sparking a debate over the installation of air conditioners in correctional facilities.

Kim Hak-seong, former head of the Ministry of Justice's Correctional Headquarters, expressed concern in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 14th, saying, "If air conditioners are to be installed, they should be installed in all prisons nationwide. Installing only in former President Yoon's room could lead to other issues." 

This is in response to complaints from some supporters since former President Yoon was re-detained on the 10th and imprisoned at Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, demanding "provide air conditioning in the solitary cell where former President Yoon is detained."

Currently, all rooms in correctional facilities, including Seoul Detention Center, are equipped with fans. 

Former head Kim explained, "For several years, it has been difficult to endure the summer, so we attempted to install air conditioners, but there is public sentiment. There are people who are not committing crimes who do not receive the benefit of air conditioning, so is it necessary to install it for those who have committed crimes?"

However, former head Kim, on the premise of personal opinion, added, "Sometimes, due to the heat, existing illnesses worsen and lead to death. I think it's time to consider installing air conditioners in detention facilities."

In response to the host's question about air conditioning being operational in the lawyer's meeting room, former head Kim replied, "Because it is an office building, not a detention building." Lawyer meetings are a constitutional right that cannot be arbitrarily restricted. Former head Kim further explained, "I know there are cases where so-called wealthy people intentionally use lawyer meetings for purposes unrelated to actual cases by hiring multiple lawyers." 

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter