Court Denies 'Gaecheonjeol Rally'... Suspension of Execution Request Rejected (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] A conservative group filed for a suspension of execution in opposition to the Seoul city government and police's ban on mass gatherings for Gaecheonjeol, but the court decided not to accept it.

On the 29th, fences to prevent illegal gatherings are being installed around Gwanghwamun Square and Sejong-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul, as the Seoul Metropolitan Government continues to refuse permission for the October 3rd National Foundation Day rally. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

On the 29th, the 13th Administrative Division of the Seoul Administrative Court (Presiding Judge Nakwon Jang) dismissed the suspension of execution application filed by the '8·15 Emergency Measures Committee' against the outdoor assembly ban notice issued by the Jongno Police Station in Seoul.

Earlier, Seoul city prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people, judging that the Gaecheonjeol rally could cause a resurgence of COVID-19, and decided to block all gatherings in some downtown areas such as Jongno-gu. The police issued the ban notice in accordance with the assembly ban standards set by the quarantine authorities.

The Emergency Measures Committee had reported holding a rally with about 1,000 participants at Gwanghwamun Square on Gaecheonjeol but received a ban notice from the Jongno Police Station. After reducing the number of participants and re-reporting, their request was also rejected. Consequently, on the 25th, they filed an administrative lawsuit and a suspension of execution application.