Gov't ordered to compensate ex-prisoner for violating religious freedom

The government has been ordered to compensate a local man who was denied his right to religious freedom while in prison to wait for a trial three years ago, court officials said Wednesday.

The Daegu District Court ruled that the state should pay compensation of 1 million won ($897) to the man identified only by his surname Lee for not allowing him to join a religious gathering during his detention in 2009.

Lee, a Christian indicted on charges of fraud, filed a lawsuit against the state saying his religious rights were violated and demanded 21 million won in compensation.

"The state does not show any particular standard on whether prisoners awaiting their trials can attend religious services or not," the court said in a ruling.

Currently, convicted prisoners are encouraged to attend Catholic, Protestant or Buddhist services once a week, as spiritual activities are considered part of rehabilitation. (Yonhap)