"Air conditioners in prisons?" As controversy grows, the Ministry of Justice clarifies, saying they will be installed in hallways, not in cells

\r\n
[Financial News] As controversy continues over the installation of cooling systems in correctional facilities, the Ministry of Justice moved to clarify the issue, saying they are "indirect cooling systems installed in hallways, not inside inmate cells."
In a statement released on the 2nd, the Ministry of Justice said, "Misunderstandings that differ from the facts are spreading regarding the recent installation of cooling systems in correctional facilities that has been highlighted in the media."
According to the ministry, the cooling systems will be installed in the corridors of housing units, not inside inmate cells. It explained that cooling the hallways will help reduce the rise in temperature throughout the housing units, improving working conditions not only for inmates but also for correctional officers.
The ministry added that the upgrades are being carried out mainly in housing units where inmates vulnerable to heat-related illness, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and patients, are held.
Regarding the inclusion of some women's housing units, it said the decision was made after taking into account overcrowding, physical characteristics, and the conditions of confinement.
The Ministry of Justice said it has already implemented a range of measures to respond to extreme heat, including operating cooling shelters and providing ice water, and described the latest installation as another step to prevent heat-related illness.
"This upgrade to the cooling system is the minimum necessary measure to protect the lives and physical safety of inmates vulnerable to extreme heat," the ministry said. "We once again emphasize that the purpose is to protect those at risk of heat-related illness."
After news of the cooling system installation in correctional facilities spread, online debate broke out over the issue. In response, the Ministry of Justice stressed that the cooling is for hallways rather than inside inmate cells, in an effort to ease the controversy.
gaa1003@fnnews.com Ahn Ga-eul Reporter