SOUTH KOREAN WOMEN PRAYS FOR SON'S AMNESTY IN SEOUL, 1999-02-22 (photo)

In a makeshift tent on the grounds of a temple in Seoul where their sons and daughters are taking refuge to avoid being arrested, South Korean mothers anxiously watch Minister of Justice Park Sang-cheon as he explains who will, and who will not, receive an upcoming amnesty February 22. South Korea announced on Monday it would grant amnesty and release a total of 8,812 prisoners, including 17 long-term prisoners and an unknown number of the political prisoners serving lesser sentences on February 25. South Korean dissidents say there are a total of 302 political prisoners currently incarcerated in South Korean jails. The nine university students who are living in the temple grounds did not, as they and their parents hoped, have their arrest warrants canceled. They are wanted by police for pro-North Korean activities. PB/DL/ME