A Lawmaker Grabbed by the Neck and Torn Clothes at a Rally... Police Chief Says "Cannot Agree to Harsh Suppression"

CEO Han Chang-min "Blocking the Road Recklessly"

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho stated on the 11th regarding the incident last weekend where the police subdued Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, at a government protest, “Has it been confirmed that (he grabbed the back of the neck)? It has not been confirmed that he fell due to police physical force,” adding, “If there is video evidence, I will acknowledge it.”

Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, is being subdued by the police. Online community

At the regular press briefing that day, Chief Jo said, “It was a situation where a passage was being cleared, and (Han) came accompanied by a YouTuber. We took safety distancing measures, but he approached again,” explaining the situation.

Regarding criticisms that the police used strong force during the protest, Chief Jo stated, “All procedures under the Assembly and Demonstration Act were fully complied with,” and added, “It is difficult to agree with those criticisms.”

On the 9th, Han Chang-min explained through social media (SNS), “The police blocked the road as if they could not tolerate the protest line growing longer. We had agreed to clear the first lane, but they ignored it. A physical struggle broke out during the forced push. I said I was a member of the National Assembly and shouted that such clashes would cause injuries, but they were reckless. Eventually, I was pushed down to the ground and carried away. My clothes were torn, and I sustained bruises all over my body.”

Im Myung-hee, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party, said, “This is a clear suppression of democracy that infringes on the freedom of assembly and expression. It is an act that shows the true nature of the Yoon Seok-yeol government, which has wielded power recklessly,” adding, “This violent response by the police will become a torch for the resignation of the regime. We will respond with greater solidarity among citizens. We will hold them fully accountable through the power of the people.”