Police to Strictly Respond to 'Gaecheonjeol Rally Notice'... "Block Gathering, Prompt Dispersal Measures"

Ban on All Gatherings of 10 or More People
10 People Related to Sarang Jeil Church Under Investigation for Obstructing Epidemiological Investigation
2 People Who Spread 'Fake News' on YouTube to Be Soon Transferred

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] In response to the far-right groups' moves to forcibly hold 'Gaecheonjeol rallies' amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the police plan to take strict measures by blocking gatherings from the assembly stage.

A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said at a press briefing on the 14th, "All assembly reports involving 10 or more people have been prohibited," adding, "If the rallies are forcibly held, we will manage them by blocking the gathering stage and promptly proceeding with dispersal procedures."

According to the police, nine groups have reported 32 rallies in downtown areas such as Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, and Seocho-gu in Seoul for Gaecheonjeol. Including non-downtown areas, there are 69 assembly reports involving 10 or more people across Seoul. Additionally, six groups reported 16 rallies for Hangeul Day. The police explained that all assemblies involving 10 or more people have been prohibited.

Previously, on Liberation Day, despite the Seoul city government's administrative order banning downtown rallies, the court allowed two rallies, resulting in more than 10,000 people gathering in Gwanghwamun. The quarantine authorities believe that the rallies at that time served as a nationwide spread trigger for COVID-19.

In response, a police official said, "During Liberation Day, the rallies were held just one day after the report, so there were shortcomings, but now there is enough time to fully share the report contents and prohibition grounds with local governments," adding, "If injunction applications are actually filed, the police plan to jointly respond by attending court and giving testimony."

The police are also investigating 10 officials of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on charges of obstructing epidemiological investigations (violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act). Regarding Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who was re-incarcerated in a detention center after being released from COVID-19 treatment and having his bail revoked, the police are coordinating a schedule for an interview investigation.

Furthermore, two individuals who spread fake news via YouTube and other platforms claiming that a rally participant died in a police bus during the Liberation Day rally or that the health center fabricated positive COVID-19 test results have been identified and will soon be sent to the prosecution.

Meanwhile, the police have investigated 291 cases of violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, including violations of self-quarantine, obstruction of epidemiological investigations, and violations of assembly bans, and have sent 318 people to prosecution with opinions for indictment.

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