Nine professors from Kyongsang University in Chinju city face prosecution and imprisonment under national security legislation for writing a textbook which the authorities allege to be pro-North Korea. The nine are: Chang Sang-hwan, Cho Tae-ryong, Paek Choi-hum, Lee Hyu-suk, Lee Chang-ho, Song Ki-ho, Kim Chun-hyong, Kim Ui-dong and Chong Chin-sang. The book, “Understanding Korean Society”, has been used as a university textbook since 1990. AI believes that they are the latest victims in a crackdown on people expressing leftist or progressive views since the death in July 1994 of North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. If imprisoned, AI will regard them as prisoners of conscience.
