Human Rights Groups Oppose Gene Bank
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
The government made public a bill which would make it mandatory for criminals to provide genetic information but concern was raised over a possible infringement of human rights.
The gene bank bill is to obtain and manage the genetic information of arrested suspects and convicted prisoners guilty of felonies including homicide, robbery, assault, arson, larceny, abduction and other crimes.
The National Police Agency (NPA) said a public hearing is planned for April 29 before the finalization of the bill for submission to the National Assembly.
According to the bill, police can obtain DNA samples from criminal suspects. If the prosecution investigates firsthand, prosecutors may also get a hold of the genetic information.
The range includes traces found on or about the victim and other locations at the crime scene. These can be collected from saliva or blood.
If the suspect or convicted refuses to comply, the police or the prosecution have the power to take a sample with a warrant.
The collected information would be deleted if suspects are not prosecuted, gets a verdict of not guilty or dismissal at a retrial, or the person dies.
A state agency will be established to manage the genetic information.
``A gene data bank will lead to the quick arrest of criminals,'' a police officer said.
The idea has been promoted since 1994 but fell apart because of the possibility of infringing on human rights. Recent major crimes such as the murder of two girls in 2007 and serial killer Kang Ho-soon again brought the issue to light.
Advocates of a gene bank say that an investigation based on DNA evidence is one of the most efficient ways to track down sex offenders or serial killers.
Human rights organizations argue that it's a violation of fundamental human rights to collect and store DNA information.