The third eviction enforcement at Sarang Jeil Church also fails... 10 injured and fire outbreak (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The eviction enforcement against Seoul Sarang Jeil Church, which has been in dispute with the Jangwi 10 District Redevelopment Association over compensation issues, has once again failed. This is the third time following two attempts in June.

On the 26th at around 1:20 a.m., the Seoul Northern District Court dispatched about 570 enforcement personnel to Sarang Jeil Church in Jangwi-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to carry out a forced eviction of the church facilities. However, as church officials strongly resisted by throwing Molotov cocktails and dousing themselves with flammable substances, the enforcement was temporarily suspended and the personnel withdrew at around 8:30 a.m., seven hours later.

Several people were injured during the process. According to the fire department, a total of 10 people, including enforcement personnel and church officials present at the scene, were injured during the clash, with five transported to hospitals. Vehicles were also set on fire or damaged as church officials threw Molotov cocktails.

The police deployed about 300 officers from five companies at the scene, and the fire department dispatched 12 pieces of equipment, including ambulances and tank trucks, along with about 40 personnel.

Sarang Jeil Church lost the first trial of the eviction lawsuit filed by the Jangwi 10 District Redevelopment Association in May. With forced demolition becoming possible, the association attempted eviction enforcement twice in June, but both attempts failed due to opposition from the church members.