Seoul Followed by Daegu Banning 'Downtown Rallies'... Police Warn "Strict Action if Rallies Proceed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Following Seoul, the police have decided to ban downtown rallies in Daegu due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 27th, "To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to ban downtown rallies in Daegu city by applying the Assembly and Demonstration Act."

However, for small-scale rallies with significantly low public safety risks, they are considering allowing them on a limited basis, provided that prior infection prevention measures are taken, and plan to cooperate with the organizers of such rallies.

A police official stated, "We recognize that the right to assemble should be guaranteed as a fundamental right, but considering the current infectious disease situation in Daegu, restrictions for the public interest are inevitable," adding, "If rallies are forcibly held despite the ban, we will hold the organizers accountable to the end by applying the Assembly and Demonstration Act along with the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."

This ban on downtown rallies by the police is the second after Seoul. The day before, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency issued a prohibition notice on rallies in downtown areas such as Seoul Station Plaza, Sejong-daero, and Gwanghwamun Plaza.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.