Enforced removal of bras during probe goes to court

By Na Jeong-ju

Four women have filed a compensation suit against the government, claiming that police officers humiliated them by forcing them to take off their bras while they were in police custody in 2008.

The women, whose identities have not been revealed, were among hundreds of protesters who were arrested by police for engaging in illegal activities during a candle-lit rally against imports of American beef.

They were taken to a police station and had to take off their bras ahead of interrogations because officers told them that it was a necessary procedure to prevent possible suicide attempts.

“Female officers told them to unhook in a loud voice with male officers around, so they felt a lot of shame and humiliation,” said a Catholic human rights group, which is representing the women.

“Their clothes were wet at the time because police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. They were questioned without wearing bras. It was a serious violation of their human rights and privacy so they deserve compensation.”

The four women demand 6 million won ($5,550) in compensation each.

Under the guidelines for questioning of suspects, officers must seize belts, ties and other possessions that can be used to inflict personal harm or to attack others before conducting interrogations.

The Catholic group, however, said the guidelines are not the same as laws.

“The Supreme Court once ruled that internal regulations of an organization cannot be regarded as laws shared by all sectors of society,” the group said.