Jehovah’s Witnesses

For Immediate Release
August 26, 2004
(Korean)

Korea’s Constitutional Court recommends introduction of alternative civilian service

Today the Constitutional Court located in Seoul addressed the long-standing issue that has sent thousands of young men to prison for decades. In a case to determine the constitutionality of Section 88 of the Military Service Law, the Court handed down the decision, supported by seven of the nine justices, that the clause in question is constitutional. However, seven of the justices, including the two justices who were against the decision, recommended the introduction of alternative civilian service.

After the deliberation of the issue by the Court for two and a half years, the work of dealing justly with many young Korean men who prefer to remain productive members of society but have their conscientious objection to military service respected has now been passed on to the legislature.

On getting out of the Court, Lee Kyung-soo said: “I am disappointed because I wished that there would have been a more positive decision. I believe, however, that there has been meaningful progress with regard to freedom of religion and of conscience. I hope that a law for alternative service will soon be enacted so that other conscientious objectors like us may be dealt with justly.”

About 280 Jehovah’s Witnesses, including those who have been accused without arrest or who have been released on bail, had cases pending until the ruling of the Constitutional Court.

Among the countries that have in recent years successfully addressed similar issues related to alternative civilian service are Estonia, Sweden and Taiwan.

Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone: (718) 560-5600