Increase Security Properly at Two Locations
On the 6th, Bags Were Covered and 'Demolition' Masks Were Also Attached
The police have taken action in response to another act of provocation involving the Statue of Peace in front of the Japanese Consulate in Busan, where Japanese beer and sushi lunch boxes were placed. The chair next to the Statue of Peace symbolizes the absence of the grandmothers who have passed away and was created with the intention that anyone can sit on it.
According to the Dongbu Police Station in Busan on the 5th, around 1 p.m. on the 27th, Mr. A (male, in his 30s) placed Japanese beer on the Statue of Peace in front of the Japanese Consulate in Dong-gu, and a sushi lunch box on the empty chair installed beside it. Mr. A sat on the chair and ate the lunch box and beer, staying for about an hour and 30 minutes while engaging in this behavior. It was later confirmed that he took photos and posted them on an online community.
On the 6th of last month, Mr. A also covered the Statue of Peace and the Forced Laborer Statue with black bags labeled "Demolition." The police have announced plans to investigate Mr. A on charges including defamation and insult. Additionally, the police have deployed extra security personnel to the area.
Originally, one riot police unit guarded this location, but the number has been increased to two units. Each unit consists of 24 to 25 personnel. After the incident, fences were installed near the Statue of Peace to restrict access by outsiders.
This measure was taken in response to requests from Dong-gu and civic groups to protect the facility. As a result, it may be difficult for the general public to access the area under the current circumstances.
A police official told Yonhap News Agency, "We are intensifying the investigation to determine whether charges such as property damage and copyright infringement can be applied," adding, "After reviewing the overall situation, we will maintain the original level of security, including removing the fences if appropriate."
Furthermore, the police issued a restriction notice regarding a rally reported by the National Action for the Abolition of the Comfort Women Law, presumed to be affiliated with Mr. A, which was held in front of the Japanese Consulate from the 3rd to the 30th of last month with the purpose of demanding the removal of the Statue of Peace.
Under current law, assemblies or demonstrations can be prohibited if they threaten the functions or peace of diplomatic missions or if there is a risk of escalation into large-scale gatherings or protests.
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