KCTU: "Violent Intrusion at Peace Rally... Resign the Police Commissioner"

Urgent Call for the Immediate Release of All Detainees

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on the 11th demanded the resignation of the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency for violently intruding into a peaceful rally and called for the immediate release of all detainees.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is holding a press conference in front of the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency. Photo by Im Chun-han

On the same day, KCTU held a press conference in front of the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, stating, "The police permitted a space that was too small compared to the expected number of participants for the first general resignation rally," and added, "We repeatedly requested cooperation for the rally venue, but it was denied."

KCTU said, "The police forcibly pushed union members who were moving to or sitting at the rally site, provoking clashes," and added, "Even when people shouted, 'Someone is collapsing,' and 'This will cause injuries,' they were relentless."

KCTU stated, "The police detained 10 union members and 1 citizen," and said, "Han Chang-min, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, was grabbed by the collar by the police, thrown to the ground, and even suffered the humiliation of having his shirt torn."

KCTU declared, "'Is the president of this country Kim Geon-hee or Myeong Tae-gyun?' The Yoon Seok-yeol administration trampled on this question with violence," and added, "The idea that the voice of the people will fade away is a vain delusion."

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

The police have launched a preliminary investigation into the leadership of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) regarding illegal activities at last weekend's rally. A police official said, "It appears that illegal acts were premeditated at the rally. We are investigating the executive committee, the organizers of the rally," and added, "We will request the attendance of seven people, including the chairman."

The police are currently investigating 11 rally participants arrested on the 9th at various police stations across Seoul, along with collected evidence, and are reviewing the possibility of applying for arrest warrants.