Police Refer 22 Dongduk Women's University Students in 'Sit-in Protest' Case Without Detention

Students at Dongduk Women's University who staged an on-campus sit-in in protest against discussions about transitioning to a coeducational system have been referred to the prosecution without detention.

Students currently enrolled at Dongduk Women's University are urging the suspension of investigations into the students who staged an on-campus sit-in near the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Yonhap News

On June 26, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Criminal Task Force announced that 22 out of 38 Dongduk Women's University students accused of joint property damage, obstruction of business, and refusal to leave were referred to the prosecution without detention. Sixteen students were not referred due to insufficient evidence and other reasons.

According to the police, these students are accused of occupying the university's main building and spray-painting facilities during protests last November in opposition to the university's discussions about transitioning to a coeducational system.

Previously, Dongduk Women's University estimated the damages from the sit-in at up to 5.4 billion won and filed a police complaint against the student council president and others. However, facing backlash from students, the university submitted a withdrawal of the complaint and a letter of non-punishment on May 14. Nevertheless, because charges such as property damage and obstruction of business are not subject to non-prosecution by agreement, the police investigation continued.

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