National Assembly, Prime Minister's Official Residence, and Courts 100m Protest Ban Lifted... Police Focus on Ensuring Safety

On the morning of the 5th, Christian believers gathered at the 'People's Rally for the Resignation of the Moon Jae-in Government,' hosted by the National Struggle Headquarters for Moon Jae-in's Resignation, held on a road near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, are praying. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police have announced their commitment to ensuring safety following the loss of effect this year of part of Article 11 of the "Assembly and Demonstration Act (Jipsibeop)," which prohibited assemblies within 100 meters of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister's official residence, and courts.

On the 6th, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing, "Since assemblies can now be held within 100 meters of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister's official residence, and courts, it is expected that securing facility safety will be somewhat challenging."

The commissioner explained, "We are considering ways to guarantee the freedom of assembly and demonstration while also ensuring facility safety," adding, "We will properly set and announce order maintenance lines at appropriate points and utilize equipment such as safety fences when necessary."

In 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled the unconstitutionality of Article 11 of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, which banned outdoor assemblies near the National Assembly, the Prime Minister's official residence, and courts. However, due to the National Assembly's deadlock, no legal amendments were made, resulting in the loss of legal effect.

Regarding the ongoing assemblies by the "Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtubon)" near the Blue House, the commissioner stated, "The court has ruled to allow assemblies from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but prohibits assemblies, overnight stays, and leaving obstructive objects from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day," adding, "We have urged Beomtubon to comply with the court's decision."

He continued, "The organizers did not hold assemblies after 10 p.m. yesterday," and added, "We will continue to urge compliance with the court's decision and will take legal action if it is not followed."

Regarding the court's dismissal of the arrest warrant for Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Christian Council of Korea, who is known to have led the Beomtubon assemblies, the commissioner explained, "We will conduct supplementary investigations and decide whether to reapply for the warrant."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.