Russia detained a South Korean in the east of the country, accusing him of espionage. In the news of Russian state news agency TASS, based on officials, it was stated that the person identified as Baek Won-soon was detained in Vladivostok “at the beginning of the year” and transferred to Moscow for “investigative procedures”.[1]
TASS said that Baek, whose case was classified as “top secret”, was being held in Lefortovo Prison, and on March 11, 2024, a court decided to extend his detention until June 15. The agency stated that an unnamed law enforcement official said that Baek “transferred information that was a state secret to foreign intelligence services.” No further details have been made public.[2]
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that its consulate has provided assistance since it was learned that Baek was detained. The ministry refused to provide further details on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation. Yonhap News Agency’s Korean service said Baek was a missionary tasked with rescuing North Korean refugees and providing humanitarian aid. The agency added that Baek was detained a few days after arriving in Vladivostok by land from China in January 2024. With this incident, for the first time a South Korean was detained in Russia on espionage charges.[3]
Russia described South Korea as an “unfriendly” country in 2022 due to its support for Western sanctions. After North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un went to Russia last September and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia also deepened its relations with North Korea.[4]
The United States (US) and its allies in the Asia-Pacific Region, such as South Korea and Japan, accuse North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war in exchange for technological know-how that will advance its military modernization program. However, both countries rejected these claims. Over the past year, Russia has detained many foreign nationals and accused them of various crimes.[5]
American journalist Evan Gershkovich was also detained in March 2023 on allegations of espionage and is also being held in Lefortovo prison, which is famous for its harsh conditions and keeping detainees in almost complete isolation. The detention period was extended until the end of March 2024 and court proceedings were held behind closed doors. In October, Russian-US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was detained for failing to register as a foreign agent and was later accused of spreading “false information” about the Russian Army. The detention period has been extended until April. In Russia, the crime of espionage requires a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. At the same point, Gershkovich and Kurmasheva deny the accusations against them.[6]
It is important whether Russia sees the espionage accusations as a political move against South Korea or as a real security threat. The political context of espionage accusations is a noteworthy issue, especially considering Russia’s tensions with the West due to the Ukraine Crisis and its relations with North Korea.
The extension of the detainee’s detention until June 15 and his/her detention in Lefortovo Prison can be evaluated in terms of the transparency of the legal process and human rights violations. The legality and justice of practices such as court proceedings held behind closed doors and isolating detainees can be questioned.
It can be argued that Russia’s espionage accusations have an impact on the dynamics in international relations. The impact of espionage accusations, especially in relations with the USA and the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region, is important for regional security and stability.
The situation of foreign journalists detained in Russia on espionage charges is important in terms of media freedom and freedom of the press. Harsh conditions in Lefortovo Prison and the isolation of detainees may affect journalists’ working conditions and freedom of expression.
It has been stated that the crime of espionage in Russia requires a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. At this point, it can be emphasized that espionage accusations must be supported by evidence and a fair trial process must be ensured.
In this context, Russia’s detention of a South Korean person on espionage charges and the subsequent developments are worth examining. Espionage accusations constitute an important example to address Russia’s dynamics in international relations, domestic political situation and human rights issues. Practices such as extending the detention of detainees and keeping detainees in Lefortovo Prison are worrying in terms of the transparency of the legal process and the principles of fair trial. Additionally, espionage accusations have the potential to increase tensions in international relations.
As a result, it is important for Russia to conduct the legal process regarding espionage accusations in a transparent and fair manner, respect human rights and act in accordance with international norms. This could help prevent potential consequences that could affect Russia’s relations with the international community and political stability within the country.
[1] “Russia Detains South Korean in Country’s East on Suspicion of Spying”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/12/russia-detains-south-korean-in-countrys-east-on-suspicion-of-spying, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
[2] “Russia Detains South Korean Man on Espionage Charges”, British Broadcast Corporation, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68541185, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
[3] “South Korean Held in Russia for Spying Was a Missionary, say Media Reports”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/south-korean-held-russia-spying-was-missionary-say-media-reports-2024-03-12/, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
[4] South Korean Detained Earlier This Year Is Accused of Espionage in Russia, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2024/03/south-korean-detained-earlier-this-year-is-accused-of-espionage-in-russia/, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
[5] “Russia Detains South Korean in Country’s East on Suspicion of Spying”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/12/russia-detains-south-korean-in-countrys-east-on-suspicion-of-spying, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
[6] “Russia Detains South Korean Man on Espionage Charges”, British Broadcast Corporation, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68541185, (Date of Accesion: 13.03.2024).
