Human Rights Commission: "Prohibiting Banners Criticizing Local Government Heads Violates Freedom of Expression"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Human Rights Commission has ruled that local government decisions prohibiting the posting of banners criticizing local government heads constitute an infringement on freedom of expression.

On the 20th, the Human Rights Commission announced that it recommended Jeongeup City in Jeollabuk-do to reconsider its decision to prohibit a civic group's banner posting and to conduct re-education for the city's urban regeneration department staff to prevent future infringements on residents' freedom of expression. Previously, in September last year, Mr. A, a representative of a civic group in Jeongeup, applied to post a banner on a city-designated bulletin board, but then-Mayor Yoo Jin-seop of Jeongeup did not permit it. The reason given was that the banner contained criticism regarding allegations of illegal preferential treatment and unfair hiring. Mr. A filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission against the mayor of Jeongeup at the time, claiming a violation of freedom of expression.

Jeongeup City explained that the banner was prohibited because it depicted former Mayor Yoo by likening him to a historical figure symbolizing corrupt officials, which could significantly damage his social reputation and honor. However, the Human Rights Commission stated, "Matters related to the performance of public institutions' duties should be subject to public scrutiny and criticism," and added, "Even if expressions used in the criticism somewhat lower the social reputation of public officials, it does not constitute defamation or justify restricting freedom of expression."

The Human Rights Commission also noted, "Considering that the respondent is currently on trial for illegal political fund receipt and unfair hiring, the content of the banner the complainant applied to post pertains to public interest matters that residents need to know." Former Mayor Yoo is currently on trial for charges of illegal political fund receipt and unfair hiring.

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