<Anchor> An
African who had been in the transit area of Incheon Airport for 14 months without applying for refugee because of being a transit passenger won a lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice. After exiting the airport last week, they are winning trials, but there is a long way to go before being recognized as a refugee in Korea.
Reporter Bae Joon-woo's report.
<Reporter> It
was in February of last year that A, an African, who had lost his family due to political persecution and wandered around various countries, arrived at Incheon International Airport.
[Mr. A (Last year, Incheon International Airport): My brother was murdered (in his home country). I also die if I go back (to my home country).] With the
help of travelers, I settled for meals and survived a year and two months sleeping at the transfer point of Incheon International Airport.
[Mr. A (Last year, Incheon International Airport): I feel sick when I eat only snacks and water. Please help me, it's so painful.]
Upon arrival at the airport,
I
announced my intention to apply for refugee status, but the Ministry of Justice did not qualify to apply because I am a transit passenger, not an immigrant.
Then, after filing a lawsuit with the help of human rights organizations, A won the first trial last year, but the Ministry of Justice appealed.
Meanwhile, the body was weakened day by day, and according to the court's judgment that it could be dangerous if neglected as it is, I got out of the transfer area last week after a year and two months.
Mr. A is currently staying in a specific location and receiving treatment.
[Lee Il/A's legal representative (read the statement): Until I got out of the airport, I didn't get a proper examination, and I endured by taking painkillers delivered by lawyers.]
Mr. A was once again in a lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice on the 21st
.
You have been judged in favor.
However, as the Ministry of Justice is expected to appeal, even if Mr. A is eligible to apply for refugee status, it has not been finalized.
Even if Mr. A wins the final judgment, whether or not he will be recognized as a refugee is a separate matter.
If Mr. A is not recognized as a refugee, he has to go through legal proceedings again, so the path for Mr. A's refugee recognition still looks tough.
(Video coverage: Seo Jin-ho, Video editing: Lee Hong-myeong)