Violence During Illegal Tent Removal... Jo Won-jin and Others from Uri Party Sent to Prosecution in Bulk

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-gi] Cho Won-jin, co-representative of the Liberty Republican Party, is set to undergo prosecution investigation over a violent incident that occurred during the illegal tent removal at Gwanghwamun Square last year.

On the 17th, the Jongno Police Station in Seoul announced that it plans to send Cho, the co-representative, to the prosecution within this week with an indictment opinion on charges of obstruction of official duties. Seventeen members and supporters of the Our Republican Party (currently Liberty Republican Party) will also be handed over alongside Cho on charges including obstruction of official duties or interference with official duties.

They are accused of assaulting public officials and security company employees while protesting the Seoul city government's removal of tents installed by the Our Republican Party at Gwanghwamun Square in June last year. At the time, Our Republican Party officials guarding the tents resisted, claiming it was "interference with legitimate political activities," and some even threw objects.

The police have been investigating for over eight months the case in which Seoul city filed complaints against Cho and multiple unidentified individuals on charges including obstruction of official duties, violation of the State Property Act, and violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act. It is reported that the police have determined that charges related to violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act are not recognized.

The Our Republican Party installed tents at Gwanghwamun Square on May 10 last year, demanding a thorough investigation into the deaths of five participants at an anti-impeachment rally for former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. About a month later, during the Seoul city government's removal of these tents, clashes broke out between public officials, security company employees, and Our Republican Party officials, resulting in dozens of injuries.

The police previously sent 11 security company employees to the prosecution on the 2nd of this month with an indictment opinion on charges of assault causing injury (special assault causing injury, etc.) for violence against Our Republican Party officials.

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