Ministry of Justice and Supreme Prosecutors' Office, "Strong Measures Against COVID-19 Quarantine Obstruction"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The Ministry of Justice and the prosecution have decided to take strict measures against acts that obstruct quarantine activities related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 18th, the Ministry of Justice announced, "We have arranged to hold a joint meeting with related agencies such as the prosecution, police, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and local governments as soon as possible to promptly and strictly investigate illegal assemblies and acts that hinder quarantine."

It added, "As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rapidly increases, there are concerns about a second large-scale outbreak. Some religious groups are encouraging and supporting large-scale gatherings despite many of their followers being confirmed COVID-19 cases, deliberately obstructing quarantine measures, or even fleeing after refusing medical treatment." The Ministry of Justice pointed out, "This is a highly infuriating act that directly threatens and infringes upon the people's right to life," emphasizing, "We will continue to make our best efforts to protect the people's right to life."

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office COVID-19 Response Headquarters also announced that it has instructed the COVID-19 response teams of all high and district prosecutors' offices nationwide to strictly respond to offenders obstructing quarantine activities. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office explained, "To prevent the law enforcement system and capabilities, which are core national functions, from being paralyzed, we have reissued the special instructions from February of this year, maintaining a 24-hour seamless emergency response system centered on the COVID-19 response teams of each prosecution office."

Meanwhile, on the same day in the morning, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae posted a critical message targeting Sarang Jeil Church and Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon on her Facebook, stating, "The paramount task of religion is the practice of love for neighbors. The privilege of ignoring the community and society even when they are at risk of COVID-19, and neglecting the common good and public protection, is not within the realm of religious freedom. It should not be granted to so-called religious leaders."

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