Maximizing Available Personnel and Equipment
Blocking Gatherings and Taking Legal Action... Forming a Dedicated Investigation Team
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 20th of this month, as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has announced a general strike nationwide, the police repeatedly urged restraint and emphasized that they will respond strictly if illegal assemblies are forcibly held.
Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, chaired a countermeasure meeting regarding the KCTU general strike on the afternoon of the 18th and stated, "We plan to strictly deal with illegal acts that suddenly put at risk the community quarantine system that has been difficult to maintain, in accordance with laws and principles."
Commissioner Kim pointed out, "Despite repeated requests from the government to refrain from assemblies and resolve issues through dialogue due to concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19 caused by large-scale gatherings, the KCTU is announcing the forcible holding of large-scale illegal assemblies nationwide, including in downtown Seoul," adding, "Thanks to the patience and efforts of the people, we are at a critical moment transitioning to phased daily recovery, but there is serious concern about a resurgence of COVID-19 due to large-scale assemblies."
He further urged, “Regarding large-scale illegal assemblies in downtown Seoul and other areas where assemblies and events are currently prohibited, we will utilize available personnel and equipment to the fullest to suppress and block gatherings from the assembly stage,” and warned that if illegal assemblies violating quarantine rules by gathering unexpectedly outside the blockade line or exceeding the reported number of participants are forcibly held, strict measures such as dispersal procedures and arrest of offenders in flagrante delicto will be taken according to the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
The National Police Agency requested, "We ask that the plans for illegal assemblies threatening community safety be voluntarily withdrawn even now," and emphasized, "We will form a dedicated investigation team to promptly and strictly investigate illegal acts resulting from the forcible holding of large-scale assemblies, and we will track down the ringleaders to ensure they are prosecuted to the end."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
