Police Request for Identification Trigger Disputes
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
A refusal to produce an identification card at a police officer's request will now be categorized as a minor offense, the National Police Agency (NPA) said Wednesday. This prompted activists opposed to the plan to claim that forcing a person to produce identification without a warrant would be an infringement of human rights.
According to police, investigations are often hampered by individuals refusing to identify themselves despite regulations calling on citizens to cooperate with police work.
Previously, a fine of 200,000 won ($150) fine and detention were considered for those refusing to identify themselves but this plan was shelved after civic groups opposed the plan.
Citizens' Solidarity for Human Rights staff member Oh Chang-ik, who has also been an NPA human rights committee member, said his group also opposed the recent move.
``The police move is not right as it could be seen as an abuse of power,'' he said.
In countries such as The United States, Japan, and Germany, similar systems exist.
The opposition Democratic Party also criticized the police.
``We're seeing a return to dictatorial days. Authorities nonsensically think they can look into women's purses or force pedestrians to show identification cards on the street whenever they wish and detain them if they refuse to comply,'' DP spokesman Lee Jae-myung said.
Politic consultant Lee Jae-sul said the execution of such questioning should be dealt with prudently. ``It is for the police officer to decide whether the request is necessary. But there should be an objective standard for it and the effect of force or punishment is questionable.''
After the dispute surfaced, the police agency said it was in discussions with the Ministry of Justice.