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Prof. Song Du-Yul came to
Germany to study in 1967, did his doctoral degree with Juergen Habermas in 1972,
obtained his postdoctoral degree and is employed at the University of Muenster
(Faculty of Sociology) since 1982. He became naturalized German citizen in 1993.
Especially on a scientific level Professor Song supported mutual understanding
and rapprochement not only between the Koreas, but also between ¡°East¡± and
¡°West¡±. When he returned home after 37 years of German exile, he was
interrogated by the South Korean intelligence and the public prosecutor¡¯s office
and then was taken into custody on the 22nd of October, where he remains today.
The accusations (public enemy/espionage) made to him are based on the National
Security Law and his conviction is being demanded and pushed by
right-conservative forces.
The National Security Law
(NSL) was introduced after the foundation of the Republic Of Korea (1948) and
was based on the Law for Maintenance of Peace and Order from the Japanese
colonial age in Korea (1910-1945). The NSL has been amended under the military
dictatorships of South Korea several times, however, the basic character - to
suppress democratic and otherwise critical movements - remains to this day. For
years its abolition has been demanded, within as well outside of Korea. Amnesty
International, the UN and the European Parliament have already dealt with it
critically - without visible success so far.
Therefore we condemn the attempts of
the right-conservative forces to tear down those in the basic foundations of
democracy, cultivated by the Koreans through the sweat of their brow and demand
as follows:
- The abolition of the National Security Law and its
oppression of liberty (in science), conscience and opinion
- The thorough realization of the Joint Declaration
from June 15th by the Roh-Moo-Hyun-government!
- The apology of the right-conservative forces of
South Korea towards the Korean people, which organize a witch-hunt against the
activists of democracy and unification movement!
Action Committee in Europe for release of Prof. Du-Yul Song and
Abolition of the National Sexurity Law
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