By Lee Hyo-sik
Felons convicted of murder and sex offenses will likely be isolated from society for additional seven years after they are released from prison.
The Ministry of Justice said Wednesday that it will forward the “Protective Custody” bill, which authorizes the court to place criminals under custody even after they serve their period of incarceration, to the National Assembly by the end of this year.
In the bill, criminals who commit murder more than twice or sexual assault more than three times will be subject to the protective custody.
The prosecution can also request the court to keep those who rape minors under 13 away from society.
The prosecution will evaluate prisoners, six months prior to their release, to decide whether they need to be placed in protective custody.
A similar system was introduced in the early 1980s but abolished in 2005 due to concerns over possible human rights violations.
If placed under the post-jail custody, the ex-convicts will be accommodated in separate places, not conventional correction facilities. They will be allowed to meet with visitors and make phone calls.
They can also undergo rehabilitation training programs and be allowed out on weekends and national holidays for up to 48 hours.
They will be evaluated by a committee, headed by the vice justice minister, every six months and could be released if they are fit to return to society. But they will be on mandatory probation for three years after they are released.
“It is really difficult to prevent felons from repeating crimes by only shackling them with an electronic anklet,” a ministry official said.
“The purpose of the bill is to place those likely to repeat crimes after release under mandatory custody and rehabilitate them further so that they can better adapt to society. This will also help protect innocent citizens,” he said.