the government has virtually scrapped the much disputed...

the government has virtually scrapped the much disputed plan of building a new execution chamber at Cheongsong Prison in North Gyeongsang Province, officials said. The plan, devised by Justice Minister Lee Kwi-nam after his visit to the prison in March, showed a clear indication that the government is considering breaking a 13-year-old moratorium on the death penalty. Strong backlash from domestic and international human rights activists followed. "The plan has been suspended. But it does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned," a justice ministry official said. "Strong opposition from residents near the prison is the reason behind the suspension." The official admitted the ministry is considering dropping the plan. Residents complained that a new execution facility will deal a blow to the image of the cozy county 290 kilometers southeast of Seoul, undermining the town’s draw as a tourist destination. Cheongsong Mayor Han Dong-soo officially demanded in March that the plan be halted. The plan was spurred by the kidnapping, rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl by convicted rapist Kim Kil-tae early this year.