hankyoreh

Riot police clashed with participants of a March 10 demonstration against the ROK-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA), with reporters caught in the melee and injured, sparking a controversy over police actions at the event.

At a press conference held in front of National Police Agency (NPA) headquarters on March 11, members of a nationwide campaign against the proposed FTA between Seoul and Washington called for the resignation of NPA Commissioner General Lee Taek-soon. Oh Jong-ryeol of the anti-FTA campaign said that more than 20 citizens taking part in the protests and eight reporters covering the event were wounded. Oh said the riot police brutally attacked reporters and citizens alike at the protest.

On March 10, over 3,000 laborers, farmers, and students confronted riot police during a rally against the Korea-U.S. FTA in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. The police pulled demonstrators to the pavement by wielding shields and clubs.

In the process, a junior reporter of The Hankyoreh received injuries on his head and mouth due to blows from police clubs. A citizen reporter of OhmyNews and eight reporters from other media companies, including MBC, SBS, Yonhap News, and Chosun Ilbo, were also beaten by police officers.

A number of citizen protesters were wounded by riot police, as well, including a farmer and a blind man, said witnesses. The police kicked persons who fell to the pavement, witnesses said.

The police operation that day was reportedly under the direction of Hong Young-ki, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA). The SMPA on March 11 expressed its regret for the wounded reporters and their damaged equipment, saying that the agency would take proper measures as soon as the results of an investigation are made available. During a telephone conversation with The Hankyoreh, Kim Dong-min, a high-ranking official of the SMPA, said that the agency is considering meting out punishment to responsible parties following the conclusion of the investigation.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]