Shin Pyeong: “Former President Yoon is in a situation where he can’t even write a book… he’s only reading the Bible”

Lawyer Shin Pyeong, known as the "spiritual mentor" of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, has revealed the circumstances of Yoon’s imprisonment and has appealed for intervention from the U.S. and other Western nations.

On the 27th, Shin stated on his Facebook that he met with former President Yoon on the 25th in a format that allowed for a lawyer's visitation, despite the ban on general public visits.

He expressed, "What I heard from former President Yoon was truly astonishing and heartbreaking," and recounted, “I suggested he try writing a book, but he responded, 'I’m in no position to do that at all.'"

He continued, “Former President Yoon is currently detained in a narrow solitary cell of about 1.8 pyeong, and instead of a desk, he has just a cardboard support. He is in a situation where aside from placing a Bible on it and reading, he cannot engage in any intellectual activities."

“Unable to exercise, suffering from digestive issues… Former President Yoon is in a living hell”

Shin described former President Yoon’s current prison life as a "living hell," emphasizing the extremely poor conditions. He mentioned, “Due to a lack of exercise, he is having problems with digestion and at night, he experiences pain as he can't move properly in his bed. In short, it is a state that is hard for any human to endure.”

Nevertheless, he noted, “Despite everything, former President Yoon’s face was oddly clear and exuded a sense of peace,” adding, “On my way out after the meeting, I felt overwhelmed with emotion and almost cried.”

He also cited remarks by Democratic Party's floor leader Kim Byeong-ki, criticizing, “This kind of dreadful environment might be an appropriate space to realize the curse that 'you should die in prison.'"

“He asked me not to disclose this information… I couldn't hold back my anger”

Shin revealed, “Former President Yoon said it would be better for this conversation not to be known outside,” but stated, “I felt immense anger and could not keep it inside.” He earnestly appealed for humanitarian intervention from the U.S. and Western nations.

Previously, the Ministry of Justice explained regarding Yoon’s incarceration environment, “We treat him according to the same standards as general prisoners under correctional laws.” At that time, the Ministry indicated, “Former President Yoon exercises outdoors for an hour a day like a regular inmate, and a fan has been installed in his solitary room.”

As controversies surrounding former President Yoon’s imprisonment are spreading, attention is focused on responses from the political arena, human rights organizations, and the international community.

Image source: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol / News1, News1, Shin Pyeong / Facebook 'Shin Pyeong'