Petition Submitted to Punish All Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Attending the Judicial Examination Preparation Students' Meeting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Association of Judicial Examination Preparatory Students (hereinafter referred to as Sajunmo) submitted a petition to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on July 3, urging criminal punishment for all 8,000 members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) who attended the rally.

On the 18th, Sajunmo stated, "If police punishment is limited only to the KCTU leadership, we will file separate complaints against the participants."

They claimed, "Despite the police's prohibition of the rally, the KCTU forcibly held an illegal assembly. Even though they had already experienced the rapid spread of COVID-19 following the Liberation Day rally in the past, they held a surprise rally at a location other than the permitted venue and committed illegal acts such as assaulting the police."

They continued, "They argued that since no COVID-19 cases occurred, they should not be blamed for the fourth wave of the pandemic. However, three of the accused participants in the illegal rally were confirmed positive, and given the current trend, the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase."

Furthermore, they added, "Due to the fourth wave caused by the KCTU's illegal rally, the public has once again lost their daily lives without any promise of normalcy. The KCTU has repeatedly ignored public authority and forcibly held illegal rallies, and their influence on society is stronger than any other organization. Therefore, they are no longer socially vulnerable and do not deserve leniency from public authorities."

Meanwhile, on July 3, the KCTU held a nationwide workers' rally with an estimated 8,000 participants (according to the organizers) around Jongno-gu, Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and police prohibited the event due to concerns over COVID-19 spread and blocked the Yeouido area, the planned venue, but the KCTU changed the location and proceeded with the rally.

After the rally, three participants tested positive for COVID-19. In response, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued an administrative order requiring all participants to undergo diagnostic testing.

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