Govt to check human rights violations in US raid on Korean workers: Presidential Office

SEOUL: The South Korean government is closely looking into whether any possible human rights violations took place during the raid and detention of Korean workers by United States (US) immigration authorities in Georgia, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the presidential office on Monday.

A total of 316 South Koreans returned home on Friday after a week in detention following a US immigration raid at an electric vehicle battery plant in Bryan County, following intense negotiations between Seoul and Washington.

Local media have since reported numerous firsthand accounts of the raid and detention, with many describing the detention facility as overcrowded, unsanitary and harsh.

The workers recounted cramped spaces, mould-covered mattresses, cold temperatures and limited access to basic hygiene. Several also described how they were shackled with chains around their waist, legs and wrists during the arrest, and treated roughly by immigration officers.

"I understand that the government is conducting a more thorough review with the companies to determine whether any human rights violations occurred," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a press briefing.

"The foreign ministry is looking at whether our demands were properly addressed, and the companies are also conducting their own reviews, to check whether any measures were insufficient on either the Korean side or US side," Kang said.

Seoul had stressed that the rights and dignity of South Korean citizens must not be unfairly violated, expressing strong regret to Washington over the incident.

"Some of our requests have been accepted, and there were improvements. However, we will continue to look into whether any issues or inconveniences for our citizens remain," she added.

-- BERNAMA