Gwangju City Issues Administrative Order Banning Participation in August 15 Liberation Day Rally

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Metropolitan City has issued an administrative order banning participation in the August 15 Liberation Day rally.

On the 12th, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop stated in a briefing on COVID-19 response, "If harm is caused to many citizens and public safety is threatened under the name of freedom of expression, this can never be justified."

The mayor said, "Following last year, a large-scale rally for August 15 Liberation Day is expected again this year, and the number of groups identified by Seoul City has reached 38 groups and 190 cases so far," adding, "Currently, Seoul City has notified all these groups of the ban on rallies based on the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and announced a policy to respond strongly if illegal rallies are forcibly held."

He continued, "Gwangju City will also issue an administrative order and protect the Gwangju community through the highest level of punishment prescribed by law for illegal and deviant acts that threaten citizens' lives and safety," emphasizing, "Participants in the rally will be reported to the police for violating the administrative order, and not only the treatment costs of confirmed patients but also the costs and overall damages arising from additional infections will be claimed."

He also requested, "Confirmed patients will be excluded from various COVID-19 related supports provided by the government or Gwangju City," and urged, "Please refrain from traveling as much as possible during the upcoming Liberation Day holiday and actively participate in strengthening quarantine measures."

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