[Comprehensive] Lee Sujin "Hope to Prevent Terrorist Group Threats... Will Legally Block Gaecheonjeol Rally"

"Nationwide Quarantine Efforts Amidst Large-Scale Rally Cause Shock"
"If Judges Suspend Rally Ban, Gatherings... No Way to Reverse Mass Infection Crisis"
"Will Introduce Amendment to Administrative Litigation Act... Hope to Prevent Threats from Terrorist Groups"

Lee Su-jin, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Regarding the report by conservative groups that they plan to hold a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul on October 3rd, National Foundation Day, Rep. Lee Su-jin of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "We will block it by law."

On the 5th, Rep. Lee said on Facebook, "Some conservative groups, including the Liberty Solidarity and the Ten Million Innocent Release Headquarters, have reportedly filed a report for another rally at Gwanghwamun on National Foundation Day," adding, "It is shocking that they plan a large-scale rally while the entire nation is focused on quarantine."

Rep. Lee said, "The rally poster even contains specific instructions to turn off mobile phones to avoid epidemiological investigations," and added, "They can only be defined as antisocial groups, not civic groups. There can be no political freedom of association that takes precedence over the lives of the people."

Conservative groups such as Liberty Solidarity and the Taegeukgi Revolution National Movement Headquarters have reported plans to hold rallies in downtown Seoul on National Foundation Day. According to media reports, the police have issued bans on all rally reports submitted by these groups.

Photo by Sujin Lee, captured from the Facebook page of Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker

Rep. Lee said, "People are trembling with anxiety over this untimely rally announcement," and added, "Although the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the police have announced that they will issue rally bans, public concern remains. This is due to fears that the court might grant a suspension of the ban and allow the rally."

She pointed out, "Even when quarantine authorities express concerns, if a judge immediately suspends the rally ban, there will be no way to reverse a mass infection caused by the rally."

She continued, "The current Administrative Litigation Act stipulates that even if an immediate appeal is filed against the court's suspension decision, the execution of the suspension decision is not halted," emphasizing, "A partial amendment to this provision is necessary."

On the afternoon of the 15th of last month, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is speaking at a rally condemning the government and ruling party held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Lee explained, "In cases where quarantine authorities submit serious concerns and the administrative agency immediately appeals the court's suspension decision, the effect of the decision should exceptionally be temporarily suspended," adding, "This would allow the court to carefully weigh the freedom of assembly (a fundamental right) and the necessity of quarantine measures (public welfare) again during the time until the immediate appeal decision is made, and make a final decision on whether to permit the rally."

She added, "I will soon introduce a bill to amend the Administrative Litigation Act based on this content as soon as the National Assembly shutdown is lifted," and said, "I hope the passage of this bill will block threats from terrorist groups that endanger the lives and safety of the people."

On the 3rd, disinfection work to prevent COVID-19 is underway at the National Assembly plenary session hall in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the National Assembly, which had been closed due to confirmed cases of COVID-19, reopened yesterday (the 5th).

The National Assembly COVID-19 Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters announced that "all tested individuals were confirmed negative for COVID-19," and "access restrictions to the National Assembly Main Building, Members' Office Building, and Communication Hall will be lifted from 10 a.m."

This came two days after a People Power Party staff member working at the National Assembly tested positive on the 3rd, leading to the closure of major buildings and quarantine measures.

Accordingly, schedules such as committee meetings and ruling and opposition leadership meetings held at the National Assembly are expected to resume from next week.

However, in line with the government's extension of the 'Enhanced Social Distancing Level 2' measures in the metropolitan area, the National Assembly plans to extend quarantine measures such as restrictions on reservations and use of seminar rooms in the Members' Office Building and limiting access to outsiders until the 13th.