Continued 'Anti-Quarantine' Incidents Including Mask Non-Wearing Disputes... Police Crack Down on 'Everyday Violence' for 2 Months

1,988 Cases of Assault and More, 26 Arrested
Strict Response to Violence in Public Places and Obstruction of Official Duties

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Since the mandatory mask-wearing policy was implemented last year due to the spread of COVID-19, nearly 2,000 incidents related to assaults and disputes over mask non-compliance have occurred. The police plan to intensively crack down on such 'everyday violence' starting in September.

The National Police Agency announced on the 30th that from October 1 to October 31, they will conduct a two-month intensive crackdown on repetitive and chronic everyday violence, including anti-quarantine violent acts.

A police official explained, "We judged that the concentration of investigative efforts is necessary as violent crimes in everyday surroundings threaten the peaceful daily lives and legal order of the public," adding, "In particular, we aim to prevent the worsening anxiety and hardships of ordinary citizens such as small business owners caused by acts that undermine the sacrifices and efforts made by the entire nation for quarantine." Since the mandatory mask-wearing on public transportation in May last year and indoors and outdoors in August, a total of 1,988 disputes related to mask non-compliance have occurred, with 26 people arrested.

The police's main crackdown targets include ▲ anti-quarantine violent acts related to COVID-19 prevention rules ▲ violent acts in public places such as streets, stores, and public transportation ▲ violent acts against public officials at government offices and official duty sites (including malicious complaints). Among these, cases involving the use of weapons or causing serious damage, habitual crimes targeting socially vulnerable groups such as women and children or unspecified large groups will be strictly dealt with under criminal punishment equivalent to serious cases.

Additionally, the police will establish a system that can respond organically and comprehensively throughout the entire process of intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and victim protection. Each police station will form a dedicated investigation team to encourage reporting and tips by reducing responsibility for minor offenses committed by reporters or victims, and will verify the habitual nature of offenders through 112 reports and criminal/investigation records to consolidate related cases. Furthermore, victims will receive multifaceted support for recovery in connection with dedicated victim police officers, and justifiable defense will be actively applied to cases where victims resisted violent acts by offenders.

A National Police Agency official said, "We plan to carry out strong crackdowns on chronic violent crimes in everyday surroundings to restore the peaceful daily lives of the public and establish strict legal order and public authority," urging, "If you witness or know of any victimization around you, please actively report and provide information."

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