Citizen Group Urges Japanese Government to Withdraw Decision on Fukushima Radioactive Water Discharge

The Gwangju Citizens and Social Organizations Federation held a press conference on the afternoon of the 15th at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council condemning the Japanese government's decision to discharge 1.25 million tons of radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Civic groups have condemned the Japanese government's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima, which has recently become an international controversy.

The Gwangju Citizens and Social Organizations Federation (hereinafter Gwangju Federation) held a press conference on the afternoon of the 15th at the Gwangju Metropolitan Council, stating, "The Japanese government's decision to discharge 1.25 million tons of radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima into the ocean is a crime that must never be forced for the protection of the global marine environment and securing the right to life, and it is an act of terrorism against the Korean Peninsula and the international community, which we strongly condemn."

They said, "Despite deep concerns from the world and neighboring countries, opposition from the majority of Japanese citizens, the UN, and Greenpeace marine environmental organizations, the Japanese government made the discharge decision on the 13th," adding, "If the radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima is discharged into the ocean, radioactive materials are expected to reach the waters around Jeju Island within 7 months and the entire East Sea within 18 months."

They further emphasized, "The economic damage to neighboring countries caused by radioactive materials will also be enormous," stating, "According to data from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries from 2013 to 2014, domestic consumption is expected to decrease by about 40% in traditional markets and 20% in large supermarkets if contaminated water is discharged. Based on contamination impact surveys, monthly production damage to seafood is projected to be between 16 billion and 37.5 billion KRW."

The Gwangju Federation also pointed out, "It is evident that the damage, including huge economic losses and deprivation of the people's right to pursue happiness, is unimaginably severe, and the health and safety of the people, as well as life itself, will inevitably be greatly threatened by the radioactive contaminated water."

The Gwangju Federation stated, "Japanese citizens are also deeply concerned about the marine discharge of radioactive contaminated water and are continuously expanding related protests and demonstrations," adding, "The Japanese government must transparently, fairly, and promptly verify the background and the series of processes related to the discharge decision with Korea, the UN, and the international community."

They continued, "Radioactive contaminated water still contains radioactive substances such as tritium, and also retains radioactive materials like cesium and strontium, which are fatal to the human body," expressing concern that "discharging this contaminated water into the ocean will cause a serious marine pollution disaster for humanity."

The Gwangju Federation demanded, "The Japanese government must immediately withdraw the inhumane decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, and at the same time, our government should take extraordinary measures such as a complete ban on imports of Japanese seafood and strengthening quarantine of imported foreign seafood to take the lead in protecting public health."