Yoon Administration's Strict Response to 'Illegal Union Activities'... 48 HiteJinro Members Referred to Prosecution (Comprehensive)

‘Headquarters Occupation’ 48 HiteJinro Union Members Sent to Prosecutors Without Detention
Police Strictly Respond to Illegal Acts at Construction Sites and Violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] As the government has declared it will strictly respond to illegal activities by labor unions according to law and principles, thorough investigations of union members are being conducted at local police stations. The police are determined to eradicate organized illegal activities not only involving the union's illegal occupation of headquarters but also within construction sites.

On the 13th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that it had sent 48 union members to prosecution without detention on charges of special trespassing of buildings and obstruction of business. The background for this investigation conclusion aligns with the policy stance of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. They intend to thoroughly investigate illegal acts by unions and seek judicial judgment.

However, since no flammable substances such as thinner were found on site and the incidents did not occur during a demonstration, charges of attempted arson of buildings and violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act were dismissed as 'no charges'. A police official explained, "The act of union members illegally occupying the headquarters itself was not interpreted as a violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act," adding, "Because no assembly was held, it was not considered a demonstration situation."

From August 16 to September 9, they occupied and protested at the HiteJinro headquarters demanding reinstatement of dismissed workers and realistic transportation fees. The HiteJinro management filed complaints against union members in August for obstruction of business, special trespassing of residence, refusal to vacate, attempted arson of buildings, and violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

The police are also accelerating investigations into assaults and coercion occurring at construction sites. By November this year, the police have investigated a total of 61 cases involving 549 people related to illegal activities at construction sites and sent 80 individuals to the prosecution. The National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency plans to conduct a special crackdown for 200 days from the 8th of this month until June 25 next year. The police intend to actively investigate not only simple participants but also planners and ringleaders behind illegal activities.

Investigations into illegal assemblies and demonstrations are also being strengthened. According to the National Police Agency, as of November, there have been a total of 305 cases violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, with 706 people arrested on such charges. A police official stated, "Recently, a bill prohibiting assemblies and demonstrations passed the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee," adding, "Going forward, illegal demonstrations that disturb the peace of citizens' private lives will be strictly dealt with according to law and principles."

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