Lee Hae-chan: "No tolerance for Gwanghwamun rally participants, hold them accountable... Use force if necessary"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that participants of the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church “must bear heavy responsibility without any leniency if they refuse testing or commit illegal acts.” He also emphasized that if necessary, law enforcement agencies such as the police should be mobilized.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 19th, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee said, “The current spread, with Sarang Jeil Church as a major source, is judged to be worse than the previous spread from the Shincheonji sect or the Itaewon clubs.”

He pointed out, “Sarang Jeil Church is urging its believers to refuse testing, and confirmed COVID-19 patients are fleeing at night, defying quarantine authorities and public power. Nearly 600 believers are unreachable, submitting fake believer lists. Such extreme behavior goes beyond neglecting infection control and endangers the nation and its people.”

He added, “Quarantine authorities must do their utmost to find those at risk of infection,” expressing a stance that they would not hesitate to mobilize public power if necessary. Lee said, “The prosecution must secure related materials even through search and seizure, and the police should not hesitate to use coercive power if needed.” He continued, “Not only Pastor Jeon but also believers of the church who participated in the Gwanghwamun rally and refused testing or committed illegal acts must bear heavy responsibility without any leniency.”

Regarding former and current lawmakers of the United Future Party participating in Pastor Jeon’s rally, Lee criticized, “The leadership of the United Future Party should take responsibility for condoning this situation.” He said, “It has been revealed that former and current lawmakers, regional committee heads, and party members of the United Future Party participated in Pastor Jeon’s rally. This is a very inappropriate act for a public party.” Former United Future Party lawmaker Cha Myung-jin, who attended the Gwanghwamun rally, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the same day, becoming the first confirmed case among politicians.

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