[Photo] Prosecutors to set health guidelines for workhouse inmates

Following the death of an elderly man two days after being admitted to a workhouse, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office announced on Apr. 24 that it would establish internal guidelines that allow inspectors to take responsibility for the health of inmates. Authorities at the workhouses will be required to closely examine the physical condition of the inmates prior to entering the facility, and will be able to stop them from working in the event that they have a chronic illness or health condition. “Even though it has been customary practice for workhouse staff to examine the health condition of inmates prior to their service, this will now become an official guideline in the duty manual,” said a senior prosecutor. (by Hyun So-eun, staff reporter)