Queer Festival 'Road Occupation' Controversy Goes to Court...Lawsuit Filed Against Daegu City

Organizing Committee and Daegu Participation Solidarity File Criminal and Civil Complaints Against Daegu City

The Daegu Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee and Daegu Participation Solidarity have decided to file a lawsuit for damages and report to the prosecution against Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo and the Daegu city government, who denied the 'road occupancy' permit for the queer festival held on Dongseong-ro, Daegu, on the 17th of last month.

On the 11th, the two organizations announced at a press conference held in the auditorium of the Daegu branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union in Suseong-gu, Daegu, that they plan to proceed with the damage claim lawsuit and prosecution report on the 12th.

The organizing committee will claim damages against the Daegu city government for blocking the stage vehicle entry during the queer festival, which caused delays to the event, while Daegu Participation Solidarity will report Mayor Hong and Deputy Mayor of Economy Lee Jong-hwa to the prosecution on charges of obstruction of official duties.

They stated, "To hold a queer culture festival, it is sufficient to file a rally report," adding, "Prohibiting or interfering with a rally based on whether a road occupancy permit under the Road Act is granted violates the Constitution and laws."

On the morning of the 17th of last month, police officers and city hall officials confronted each other at the Daegu Queer Culture Festival held in the public transportation-only zone in Jung-gu, Daegu. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the day of the festival, the 17th of last month, the Daegu city government blocked the stage vehicle entry, claiming that the festival organizing committee did not obtain a road occupancy permit. However, the police restrained Daegu city officials at the time, stating that 'administrative enforcement is not appropriate for a reported rally,' which led to a physical confrontation between the two sides.

Regarding this controversy, Mayor Hong held a press briefing on the 19th of last month and said, "We plan to request an authoritative interpretation from the Ministry of Government Legislation," adding, "Depending on the results, legal and administrative responsibilities may be pursued."

He also said, "Allowing the illegal occupation of the road by protest trucks while restricting citizens' movement is aiding illegal road occupation," and added, "I will hold the Daegu Police Chief accountable. Let's see whether this is justified or not."