Government forcibly disperses illegal gatherings on Hangul Day... Claims damages if COVID-19 outbreak occurs (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The government plans to swiftly disperse any illegal rallies held in downtown Seoul on Hangul Day, October 9, and to claim damages if COVID-19 cases occur as a result.

The National Police Agency and Seoul City reported this 'Hangul Day Rally Response Plan' at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on the same day.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 through large-scale rallies, the National Police Agency issued bans on 139 out of 1,220 reported rallies in Seoul that day, specifically those involving groups of 10 or more or related to prohibited areas.

The National Police Agency continues to persuade major organizations that reported rallies to refrain from gathering, while concentrating police personnel and equipment around locations where large crowds may gather, such as Gwanghwamun Square.

In particular, the National Police Agency plans to promptly proceed with dispersal procedures if banned rallies are forcibly held and to strictly respond by arresting offenders on the spot for illegal violent acts.

Additionally, two reported vehicle protests on the outskirts of the city will be managed to proceed within the reported scope, and illegal protests such as unreported vehicle protests will be dealt with on-site.

Furthermore, all illegal acts after rallies will be strictly punished without exception, and damages will be claimed from rally participants if COVID-19 cases are confirmed due to the rallies.

Seoul City provided advance notice of the rally bans through subway announcements, electronic billboards, and banners, and local governments such as Gyeongnam, Chungbuk, and Chungnam also requested restraint in using charter buses related to the rallies.

Seoul City is also considering measures such as non-stop passage at subway stations near major rally sites to prevent crowds from gathering at rally locations. Illegal parking and stopping of charter buses that came to the city will also be monitored.

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Accident Response Headquarters' quarantine team, stated at the regular briefing that "We ask for restraint from rally events where many people gather face-to-face today and this weekend, remembering that about 600 confirmed cases occurred from the Seoul downtown rally on Liberation Day."

Yoon emphasized, "The quarantine authorities are implementing the same measures for all organizations without political considerations, taking into account the risk of COVID-19 infection and the necessity of quarantine."

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