Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho: "Strict Response to Illegal Acts at Olympic Park Protest"
"Private Checks and Threats Are Subject to Punishment"
"Misconduct Under the Pretext of Legitimate Anger Is Unacceptable"
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho stated that he would respond sternly to excessive misconduct and illegal acts related to the escalating protest at Seoul Olympic Park, which was triggered by the 6·3 local election ballot shortage incident.
On June 16, Minister Jung wrote on his Facebook page, "We will respond sternly to excessive misconduct and illegal acts committed by some individuals under the pretext of the people’s legitimate anger."
He emphasized, "Freedom of expression and assembly does not grant the right to threaten, mock, conduct private checks, or impose sanctions on others."
Since the ballot shortage incident, the blockade protest at the Seoul Olympic Park ballot counting center has continued for 12 days. Recently, controversy has arisen over so-called "private checks," as some protesters blocked members of the women's national youth handball team and inspected their belongings, prompting a police investigation.
There have also been incidents of protesters accusing participants who oppose slogans about election fraud of being members of specific organizations, as well as a journalist who was leaving the ballot counting center being assaulted by protesters.
Minister Jung pointed out, "Infringement of suffrage is a serious matter and must be thoroughly investigated with accountability pursued. However, recent acts at Olympic Park—including indiscriminate private checks, threats, de facto detention, baseless accusations targeting Chinese nationals, and obstruction of work against police officers, ordinary citizens, journalists, sports association staff, and athletes—are all clearly illegal acts and subject to punishment as offenses in progress."
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He added, "Such actions tarnish the image of the many young people and citizens who are expressing their opinions in a mature and dignified manner. We will ensure strict prosecution and punishment."
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