Opposition Five Parties Announce Police Suppression Budget Cuts... Police Chief Refuses to Apologize Until the End (Comprehensive)

Assemblyman Hanchangmin Suffers Fracture in Violent Suppression
Social Democratic Party Plans to File Complaints and Lawsuits

The Democratic Party of Korea, the Party for Justice and Innovation, the Progressive Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Basic Income Party on the 19th called for an apology from Police Commissioner General Jo Ji-ho and measures to prevent recurrence regarding the violent suppression at the anti-Yoon Seok-yeol government rally. Commissioner Jo refused to apologize despite the delivery of protest letters from members of the National Assembly.

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

Ten lawmakers including Park Ju-min, Lee Yong-woo, Kim Yoon, Park Hong-bae, and Kang Kyung-sook from the Democratic Party, Jeong Chun-saeng from the Party for Justice and Innovation, Yoon Jong-oh and Jeong Hye-kyung from the Progressive Party, Han Chang-min from the Social Democratic Party, and Yong Hye-in from the Basic Income Party held a press conference in front of the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency that day, criticizing, “On the 9th, the Korean police branded themselves as violent enforcers of a police regime,” adding, “Eleven workers and citizens were detained, and Han Chang-min lawmaker was subjected to ruthless violence resulting in a severe injury with broken ribs.”

They stated, “Commissioner Jo not only refused to apologize but also made absurd excuses,” pointing out, “He said it is unclear whether Han Chang-min’s injury was caused by police force and absurdly claimed that the incident was staged with a YouTuber.” They further demanded, “Stop the investigation into the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and punish those responsible for the violent suppression,” and “Apologize to the public for injuring Han Chang-min and damaging his reputation by spreading false information.”

Lawmaker Park Ju-min emphasized, “Freedom of expression is second only to the right to life, and among them, the right to assembly is a very important fundamental right. The management of the recent rally violated these principles,” urging, “The police must apologize and change their approach to handling assemblies.” Lawmaker Jeong Chun-saeng said, “We proposed cutting the budget related to police suppression and will push through until the end tomorrow,” adding, “We cannot tolerate the mischaracterization of the rally as illegal.” Lawmaker Han Chang-min stated, “From beginning to end, the police’s purpose was control and suppression,” sharply criticizing, “We condemn the police leadership for turning the police into a tool that destroys democracy.”

After meeting with the Police Commissioner General in the afternoon, Han Chang-min told reporters, “Commissioner Jo expressed regret but did not give a clear answer. There seems to be no significant change from his previous stance,” adding, “I was shocked to hear that the deployment of armed riot police was based on prior information. He admitted to deploying armed forces himself. I will consider legal action.”

Democratic Party lawmakers Park Ju-min, Lee Yong-woo, Kim Yoon, Park Hong-bae, and Kang Kyung-sook; Jeong Chun-saeng of the Party for Innovation and Justice; Progressive Party lawmakers Yoon Jong-oh and Jeong Hye-kyung; Han Chang-min of the Social Democratic Party; and Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party are holding a press conference in front of the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency. Photo by Lim Chun-han

Earlier, on the 9th during the government criticism rally, Han Chang-min sustained a fracture injury. He explained, “The police blocked the road as if they could not tolerate the rally formation expanding. We agreed to clear the first lane, but they ignored it. During the forced push, a scuffle broke out,” adding, “I identified myself as a lawmaker and shouted that such clashes would cause injuries, but they were reckless. I was eventually pushed down to the ground and carried away. My clothes were torn, and I suffered bruises all over my body.”

Commissioner Jo refused to apologize for the controversy over excessive suppression at the rally. On the 14th, at the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee plenary session, he said, “Everyone has confirmed through various channels, and there are differing evaluations. Some facts differ, but I think it is inappropriate to debate the details,” adding, “I regret that people were injured. The basic principle that police authority must be exercised with restraint and minimally remains unchanged and will continue to be so.”