Choo Mi-ae: "Shincheonji Search Order Was to Prevent COVID-19 Spread"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is attending the government questioning session on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Won Dara] Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae responded that her order to conduct a search and seizure of Shincheonji in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was aimed at preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

On the 2nd, during a government inspection session at the National Assembly, in response to a question from Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the Future United Party, Minister Choo said, "The initial response to the COVID-19 crisis gained much trust from the international community, but the current issue is that we must prevent regional spread."

She explained, "There is a sense of urgency among local governments that from now on, within 14 days, during the incubation period, an all-out, decisive effort must be made. Gyeonggi Province reported a discrepancy of 1,974 people in the list received from Shincheonji, and in Busan, 645 people not on the government list were found in Shincheonji's electronic data. Additionally, some facilities were falsely reported."

She added, "Even now, there is 86.2% public support for emergency measures to obtain the list and properly block movement routes. We need to accurately identify the locations of facilities and urgently target them for quarantine to block transmission."

Regarding concerns that believers might flee if a search warrant is issued, she said, "Of course, preemptive measures by the quarantine authorities are necessary, and I hope you understand that the Supreme Prosecutors' Office has issued instructions to be prepared for any eventuality. I believe the Supreme Prosecutors' Office also agrees on the necessity of blocking transmission, and I understand that the prosecution is responding strictly to this situation, preparing thoroughly to ensure there are no loopholes even for a single person."

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