South Korean Justice Minister Kim Hyun Woong Vows Zero-Tolerance For Illegal And Violent Protesters

Justice Minister Kim Hyun Woong has pledged that the ministry will deal with illegal and violent protesters strictly. The announcement came after a large protest was staged on Nov.14, which was attended by more than 60,000 activists.

Reuters reported Nov. 15 that a number of protesters were arrested after the protest had gone violent.

"The government was fully prepared to guarantee a lawful and peaceful rally, but some people came prepared with illegal equipment such as steel pipes and conducted a violent protest,"
said Kim.

He continued, "These activities were a grave challenge to law and order and public authority, and they will not be tolerated."

In addition, organizers of the said picket said they will stage another rally on Dec. 5.

The Justice Minister recently announced in a statement that the South Korean government plans to deal with illegal and violent protesters strictly to avoid aggression and chaos.

"An illegal, violent protest is a critical and evident challenge to peace-loving citizens and the constitutionalism of South Korea. (We will) make sure that those who ignore the law and make fun of governmental power pay the price under the name of the people," Kim said in a dispatch, as noted by Yonhap News Agency Friday.

Reports revealed that the large protest in November has left 113 police personnel injured. Aside from that, 29 demonstrators who suffered from injuries were rushed to the hospital.

Also, the picket damaged 50 police buses, as well as other equipment owned by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the authorities reportedly raided the offices of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which is part of the investigations following the large rally. About 700 police personnel conducted the raid.

"(Protesters) should not try to avoid punishment by hiding their face. We will take all possible measures to punish those who lead violent rallies under anonymity," Kim said.