Man tied to bricks, lifted by forklift: fury in South Korea over ‘horrific' abuse
Lee Jae-myung on Thursday condemned the alleged abuse of a migrant worker at a brick factory, calling it a 'blatant violation of human rights' and pledged stronger protection for vulnerable groups.
His remarks came a day after migrant rights activists urged authorities to punish those involved in the incident, which was captured in video footage that circulated online this week.
'I could hardly believe my eyes after watching the video. It is unimaginable that such an incident could occur in a country known as a global cultural powerhouse and a model of democracy,' Lee wrote on Facebook.
He described the act as 'an unacceptable act of violence against minorities and the vulnerable'.
'We will ensure that no one suffers from human rights abuses or labour exploitation due to their unstable status,' the president added, calling on relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Employment and Labour, to take swift action.
A Sri Lankan worker is seen tied to a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Korea. Photo: Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network
The Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network on Wednesday released video footage showing a man in his 30s from
Sri Lanka tied to bricks with cling film and lifted by a forklift at a factory in Naju, South Jeolla province.
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