Lee Jae-myung: "Shincheonji Only Cooperates Superficially... Forced Investigations Like Raids Needed"

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, visited the Shincheonji Training Center 'Palace of Peace' in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated on the 5th regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation, "At a time when Shincheonji is causing disruptions to the quarantine front, strong and swift compulsory investigations are urgently needed."

On the morning of the same day, Lee posted on his Facebook, saying, "There is a conflict between the stance that compulsory investigations of Shincheonji should be postponed because they hinder quarantine efforts and the stance that immediate raids and seizures should begin."

He added, "Compulsory investigations of Shincheonji and quarantine administration are separate matters, and now, when Shincheonji is causing disruptions to the quarantine front by submitting false data, strong and swift compulsory investigations and data collection are urgently needed."

On the 2nd, at a press conference held at the Peace Palace of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji) in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Chairman Lee Man-hee gave a thumbs-up as he exited. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "The health authorities can conduct investigations equivalent to raids and seizures without a warrant, and the police are obligated to cooperate with such investigations," adding, "It is also not true that compulsory investigations are impossible except for raids and seizures by the prosecution and police."

Lee pointed out, "Shincheonji has so far pretended to cooperate but has actually obstructed quarantine by manipulating data, submitting false information, and giving false statements," and "Even in this serious situation where dozens are dying and about 5,000 people are infected, they remain uncooperative and will not become more cooperative just because they are persuaded with a conciliatory attitude."

He emphasized, "The organized obstruction of quarantine from the leader to some followers causes serious hindrance to the quarantine front," and "Severely punishing their obstruction of quarantine and promptly verifying the authenticity of facilities and lists through compulsory investigations are essential for accurate quarantine administration."

He added, "As the person responsible for the quarantine authorities who judge that compulsory investigations help quarantine, I urge the prosecution to promptly carry out compulsory investigations."

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