South Korea collecting DNA of striking workers

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

It has emerged that prosecutors have been collecting DNA samples from workers convicted of engaging in strikes and other activities. The practice, which currently targets workers who took part in a Ssangyong Motor strike and occupation of Daelim Motor, has reportedly been taking place at district prosecutor’s offices across the country since March. Not only does this have strong elements of a human rights violation, but it is an immoderate application of the law that could potentially curtail labor movement activity. It should be immediately halted.

The legal basis for collecting DNA is the Act on the Use and Protection of DNA Identification, the so-called “DNA Act.” Enacted in July 2010, this act allows the collection and storage of DNA from suspects in eleven cases of crime, including child molestation, rape, and drug crimes, in order to allow for efficient investigation of habitual and heinous crimes. The scope of those subjected to DNA collection also includes suspects in acts of violence, home invasion, and property damage as stipulated in the Punishment of Violence, etc. Act. The attitude of the prosecutors is that with this basis, there is no problem whatsoever with collecting DNA from striking workers punished under the latter act.

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_editorial/471831.html

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Sounds like a policy more characteristic of their neighbours to the North.

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

Either that or the capitalist democracy of the South ain't all your teachers told you it was.

[Rjevan]

Sounds like a policy more characteristic of their neighbours to the North.
Not at all, South Korea has a history of deeply anti-labour policies and regimes eager to eliminate workers' rights. This step is just another logical conclusion in the criminalisation of the labour movement.

[Omsk]

Well of course,nobody would think (in the western world,at least) of South Korea as the 'bad guy' - "nah,they are just harmless and good,unlike those damned deranged North Koreans!!Im a true communist living in my mom's house but il deem entire North Korea unworthy and un-socialist!! "

That is the common opinion..unfortunately..

Lets make it clear,North Korea is no workers state,its far from that,but its southern neighbours deserve no good words either,in fact,they are just as bad.

[The Vegan Marxist]

Damn those NKorean dictators locking up civilians who support their other half and collect the DNA of striking workers...Oh..wait..that's SKorea..

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

If we're going to be honest, we have to say that striking in North Korea would likely get you the same treatment, or worse.

[Tavarisch_Mike]

1984.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Either that or the capitalist democracy of the South ain't all your teachers told you it was.
I've never been under the impression that the South of Korea was anything other than a capitalist shithole.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

If we're going to be honest, we have to say that striking in North Korea would likely get you the same treatment, or worse.
This is the point I was trying to make.