Police Announce "Strict Judicial Measures" for Large-Scale Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Rally on the 3rd of Next Month

"Request to Cancel Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Rally Amid Variant Virus Resurgence"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police have announced a strict response policy regarding the large-scale urban rally in Yeouido organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) scheduled for the 3rd of next month.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated on the 30th, "The KCTU and its affiliated organizations have reported a total of 97 rallies and marches (with 9 participants each) in Yeouido and downtown areas ahead of the National Workers' Rally on the 30th, and are pushing for a large-scale gathering of members traveling to the capital. This situation poses a serious risk of nationwide spread of COVID-19 due to the union members coming from all over the country."

In particular, two confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported at a courier union rally recently held with attendance exceeding the reported number. The police pointed out that there is a high possibility of a large number of people gathering at specific locations within Seoul. Accordingly, the Seoul city government has issued a prohibition notice on the rally reports related to the workers' rally in Seoul under Article 49 of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

The Seoul Police Agency stated, "The police will issue prohibition notices for these rallies that clearly pose a direct threat to public peace and order, and will mobilize all available police forces and equipment nationwide to block the gatherings themselves in Yeouido and major downtown areas where assembly is expected. If the rally violates quarantine rules and holds a large-scale illegal gathering in the capital, dispersal procedures will be carried out according to relevant laws, and any illegal acts such as assault on officers will be dealt with strongly, including arresting offenders on the spot."

They added, "This is a critical time as COVID-19 variants have recently been detected domestically, putting us at a crossroads for re-spreading of the infectious disease. We once again urge the KCTU to cancel this National Workers' Rally so that the quarantine efforts made by the authorities and the entire nation will not be in vain."

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