Ex-officials defend 2019 repatriation of N.K. fishermen as criminal deportation

Three former officials, Chung Eui-yong, Suh Hoon, and Kim Yeon-chul, defended the 2019 repatriation of North Korean fishermen in a statement released after their suspension of suspended prison terms. They described the case as a deportation of criminals, not a forced repatriation of defectors. The officials served in Moon Jae-in's administration when Seoul deported two North Korean fishermen near the eastern maritime border, accusing them of killing 16 crew members.

Critics had vehemently opposed the deportation, as the fishermen had expressed their intent to defect to South Korea, which practices a policy of accepting North Korean defectors. The officials argued that the case differed from other defection cases due to the severity of the alleged crimes. The Seoul High Court upheld the convictions of the three officials for violating the basic rights of the North Korean fishermen, including their right to a trial.

However, it overturned the conviction of former presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min, citing the challenges in determining his involvement. Defectors attempting to flee North Korea often face severe punishment, including torture and death, upon capture or return to the North.