From some coverage in a local paper.
The "Justice for Ali Khan Bike Ride" went from Gwangju to Jeonju today, and will go from Jeonju to Daejeon tomorrow. On Thursday, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. the riders will circle the Daejeon Prison before meeting Ali Khan. Last month I posted about Ali Khan, a Pakistani man who believes he is in jail for a 2003 murder he didn't commit. The ride is to raise awareness of the case, and the riders are looking for any expats in the area who would like to join or attend on Thursday.
I emailed around regarding the legality of participating in such an event, which might be construed as political activity and thereby prohibited by the terms of our E-2 visas. The answer I got was that it wouldn't be illegal, but that it would be a long, expensive battle to prove one's innocense should an employer try to do something. For anyone who would like to pay a visit, the prison is in Yuseong-gu. Those with any questions can contact Andrew O'Donnell directly at 010-9866-9130.
6 comments:
What reasoning did they give that it wasnt illegal? Do they have something to back that up?
I have been suspicious of getting involved in this. The facebook group has very few members, the petition only has 15 signatures, there has been little to no Korean media coverage. I also find it suspect that the Korean prision system has allowed random foreigners enter into the prision to speak to a alleged murderer.
He may be innocent...but then again he may be a very clever man trying to use the passion of others to free himself.
Really? They rode to Jeonju in this massive rainstorm today???
How many people are involved in this bike ride? I cant see many people being able to get time off work to go riding across the country.
"What reasoning did they give that it wasnt illegal? Do they have something to back that up?"
Getting involved in anything political can lead to violating your visa.
"there has been little to no Korean media coverage"
Why do you think Andrew has been running around trying to get people to learn about this guy's case?
"I also find it suspect that the Korean prision system has allowed random foreigners enter into the prision to speak to a alleged murderer."
Not a problem for anyone to set up an appointment to meet prisoners incarcerated. I've done it myself with no problems at all. All I needed was my passport.
"I cant see many people being able to get time off work to go riding across the country."
Not everyone is tied to a crappy job at a unigwan. Some of us have fairly flexible workplaces.
Michael,
I would guess that you are involved in the bike ride. So, how many people are currently involved in the ride?
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