Opposition Visits National Police Agency to Protest MBC Search and Seizure... Yoon Hee-geun Denies Prior Coordination at Yongsan

Democratic Party's Protest Visit to Police Agency on 31st
"Violation of Press Freedom... Requesting Apology from Police Commissioner"

On the 31st, the Democratic Party of Korea visited the National Police Agency to protest against the police's search and seizure of an MBC reporter on suspicion of leaking personal information of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon.

During their meeting with Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun, they strongly criticized the infringement on 'freedom of the press' and demanded an apology. They also warned that the exercise of public authority in the future should take into account the basic rights of the people.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, Democratic Party lawmakers including Cho Seung-rae, Jung Pil-mo, Ko Min-jung, Lee Hae-sik, Lee Hyung-seok, and Min Hyung-bae visited the National Police Agency in the afternoon and strongly condemned the police's search and seizure of the MBC reporter.

Lawmaker Ko Min-jung stated, "The last time police forces entered a broadcasting station was on August 8, 2008, when officers in plain clothes stormed in. However, even then, they did not enter the news department," adding, "But this time, the fact that the prosecution entered the news department under the pretext of a search and seizure is shocking beyond words."

She criticized, "On what grounds are they trying to control the media? Anyone can see this as nothing but a retaliatory investigation," and said, "Today, I want to hear from Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun why he is so recklessly suppressing the media. Does Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun serve the people or President Yoon Seok-yeol?"

Lawmaker Cho Seung-rae also pointed out, "The core of press freedom is the freedom of journalists to report," and said, "This search and seizure is a very serious act that directly violates the freedom of reporting." He continued, "If the freedom of reporting is restricted in the future, will journalists be able to report freely? This is not just about a search and seizure related to a certain case, but a reactionary outrage that directly violates the freedom of reporting, which is the foundation of press freedom." He added, "We will urge the police for a clear explanation and measures to prevent recurrence."

During their meeting with Commissioner Yoon, they emphasized the strict exercise of public authority and consideration of the people's basic rights, and requested an apology from Commissioner Yoon.

Lawmaker Cho said, "I raised the issue with Commissioner Yoon that restricting journalists' reporting activities is a serious problem, and requested that public authority be exercised with careful consideration of the people's basic rights and press freedom," adding, "Since the public is greatly concerned about the infringement of basic rights, we also requested an apology from the police commissioner."

He criticized, "The police and prosecution are conducting investigations selectively. Complaints and accusations related to personal information leaks and the disclosure of suspect facts have been filed with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, but only the investigation into Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon's personal information leak was swiftly transferred to the police."

They also asked Commissioner Yoon whether there was any prior consultation or communication with the Presidential Office regarding the MBC search and seizure. Lawmaker Lee Hae-sik reported, "When asked whether there was prior consultation or communication with the Presidential Office, he denied it."

Lawmaker Cho also said, "Regarding the issue of consultation, he officially stated that there was none, but (Commissioner Yoon) somewhat hesitated in his words and said that reports were made afterward in stages," adding, "He did not admit prior consultation, but based on the atmosphere, we have some doubts about that as well. Those doubts have not been resolved."