Checkpoints and Searches Strengthened Near the Constitutional Court
The police are considering deploying special forces around the Constitutional Court on the day of President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment ruling. This is to prevent violent acts against the Constitutional Court and its justices.
Police officers are standing guard in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 2nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated that amid a flood of terror and threat messages targeting the Constitutional Court and its justices, they are considering such measures to protect constitutional institutions. The special forces are intended for initial response in emergency situations, not for handling protests or demonstrations.
Additionally, on the 4th, the day of the impeachment ruling, security personnel deployment will be increased to protect the justices personally. After the ruling, safety fences and other measures will be used to ensure their safe movement.
The police plan to strengthen checkpoints and searches near the Constitutional Court to prevent violent acts and conflicts among citizens. In accordance with the Police Duties Execution Act (Gyeongjikbeop), they will expand blockade points and block the entry of dangerous items. The Police Duties Execution Act regulates police duties, including stop-and-search procedures, prevention of danger, and crime suppression and prevention.
Furthermore, illegal incitement acts will be strictly punished based on recorded evidence, and compensation claims will be demanded if financial damages occur.
Moreover, the police will collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, fire services, and others to prepare measures to prevent crowd accidents. Each agency will guide order maintenance on-site and secure emergency lanes for ambulance movement in case of emergencies. To prevent safety accidents related to drone operations, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will temporarily designate the area around the Constitutional Court as a no-fly zone on the day of the ruling.
Earlier, the police decided to mobilize all available personnel nationwide, including 210 riot police units, riot patrol units, criminal riot units, and dialogue police, through a 'Gapho Emergency' on the day of the ruling. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will operate a 24-hour response system to prepare for any contingencies. Jongno, Gwanghwamun, and other areas have been designated as 'Special Crime Prevention Reinforcement Zones,' with eight senior superintendents responsible for detailed security in each zone.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
