PTCSD’s Probe in Samchung Group Program

The government will conduct an official probe into rumors about Samchung Group Program (SGP), which is one of the exemplary cases where human rights violation occurred during the 5th Republic.

One high-ranking official at Presidential Truth Commission on Suspicious Deaths (Commissioner, Han Sang-bum) confirmed on July 39th, “We made a decision during the 57th session held on 26th. Thus, we will scrutinize all the circumstances concerning the SGP such as the backgrounds for its legislation.”

Previously, investigations were made to find out the cause of death for each of the SGP victims. But this time, the probe will deal with the SGP as a whole.

The official commented, “We will also interrogate the former president Chun Doo-hwan, who implemented the SGP with his executive order in 1980. He will be subpoenaed for the investigation regarding the Green Project. On that occasion, we will interrogate him about the SGP, too.”

He also added, “Our commission is also entitled to finding out the historic circumstances which partially caused the suspicious deaths. Thus we have sound legal grounds for our investigation of the SGP.” In the past, the former president Roh promised in his special address to the nation that the SGP victims would receive proper money damages and restoration of respect. But the promise still remains a promise.

Then, the government announced that through the SGP, 54 died and 28,000 were injured. But civic organizations believe the numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.

In the name of rooting out the evils in the society, the SGP, which was authorized by an emergency executive order, locked up 40,000 people including anti-government activists in army camps. The imprisoned had to undergo harsh military training. In the process, many of them died, giving the program a stain as an example of violation of human rights under a military regime.

buddy@donga.com