World News: SOUTH KOREA: Over one hundred villagers in Gangjeong faced legal action for peaceful demonstration

February 9,2012

Mr. Lee Myung-Bak
President
1 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu
Seoul, 110-820
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Fax: +82 2 770 4751
E-mail: foreign@president.go.kr or president@cwd.go.kr or president@president.go.kr

Re: SOUTH KOREA: Over one hundred villagers in Gangjeong faced legal action for peaceful demonstration

Dear Mr. Lee Myung-Bak,

Name of persons faced legal action:

(1) Yang Hong-Chan (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(2) Yoon Sang-Don (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(3) Kang Sung-Won (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(4) Kim Jung-Min (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(5) Lee Hang-Joon (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(6) Cho Eung-Nam (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(7) Cho Young-Sik (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(8) Kang Haeng-Keun (villager):

2007/ Charge: act of violence/ Result: Cleared of suspicion/ Accuser: Yoon Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

(9) Moon Sang-Chul (villager):

2007/ Charge: threat etc./ Result: fine 700,000 won in the 1st trial, 500,000 won in appeal suit

2009/ Charge: damage on public stuff, obstruction of business/ Result: Fine 1,500,000 won/

(10) Jin Se-Jong (villager):

2007/ Charge: injury in collaboration/ Result: Fine 700,000won/ Accuser: Yoon Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

(11) Yoon Chan-Bum (villager):

2008/ Charge: injury, obstruction of the performance of official duties etc./ Result: 2 million won fine/ accuser: Song Moo-Jin, navy commander, naval base business committee

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Result: 1,500,000 won fine

(12) Kang Kyung-Min (villager):

2007/ Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties / Result: 3million won fine/

Accuser: Kim Tae-Ho, navy lieutenant commander, naval base business committee then

(13) Yoon Kyung-Yong (villager):

2008/ Charge: act of violence etc/ Result: 500,000 won fine/ Accuser: City hall public service personnel

(14) Kang Taek-Keun (villager):

2008/ Charge: act of violence etc/ Result: 500,000 won fine/ Accuser: City hall public service

personnel2011/ called by police for investigation under the charge of special obstruction of the performance of official duties during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun on August 24

(15) Goh Byung-Hyun (villager):

2007/ Charge: injury in collaboration/ Result: suspension of indictment/ Accuser: Yoon Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

(16) Cho Soo-Joon (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2007/ Charge: injury in collaboration/ Result: suspension of indictment/ Accuser: Yoon Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

(17) Kim Gab-Deuk (villager):

Year unknown/ Charge: injury in collaboration/ Result: suspension of indictment/ Accuser: Yoon

Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (June 20 sit-in in the business committee bldg. complex)/

Accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ Call letter date: Aug. 5

(18) Goh Shi-Rim (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2007/ Charge: injury in collaboration/ Result: suspension of indictment/ Accuser: Yoon Tae-Jung (* former village mayor who favors naval base construction)

(19) Kang Hee-Woong (villager):

2008/ Charge: act of violence, obstruction of business/ Result: 500,000 won fine

2010/ Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties/ Result: 2million won fine

(20) Yoon-Sang-Hyo (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2010/ Charge: Obstruction of business/ Result: 2million won fine

2011/ Called by police for investigation under the charge of special obstruction of the performance of official duties during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun on August 24

(21) Kim Jae-Hoo (villager):

2010/ Charge: Invasion into building, obstruction of the performance of official duties, act of

violence, injury/ / Result: 2million won fine

(22) Lee Bang-Geun (villager):

2009/ Charge: act of violence/ Result: 5million won fine

(23) Kang Dong-Kyun (village mayor):

2010/ Charge: total 12 charges including of illegal rally, obstruction of business/ Result: Court decision of one and half year imprisonment but three yearsâ€™ probation

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on construction on June 9/ Accuser: Cho Hyun-Je, field director of the Chosuk construction industry co.(call letter date: July 4)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do, Woochang maritime construction company (call letter date: June 22)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do, Woochang maritime construction company (call letter date: June 28)

2011/ Charge: violation of law related to public waters management and reclamation act/ Accuser: Cho Hyun-Il (call letter date: July 7)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do, Woochang maritime construction company (call letter date: July 4)

2011/ Charge: violation of law related to public waters management and reclamation act / Accuser: Cho Hyun-Il (call letter date: July 17)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on construction on June 18/ Accuser: Lee Kyung-Ho, field director of Doyang co. (call letter date: July 18)

2011/ Charge: violation of law related to public waters management and reclamation act (installation of house on May 30)/Accuser: Jeju naval base business committee (call letter date: July 18)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je (call letter date: July 9)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (June 9, 18, 20, 21, 22)/ Accusers: Cho Hun-Je, field director of the Chosuk construction company and Lee Kyung-Ho, field director of the Doyang Co.

(24) Yoon Ho-Kyung (villager):

2010/ Charge: illegal rally, damage on public utensil / Result: 1million won fine2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 19

(25) Kim Kyu-Nam (villager):

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business, act of violence/ Result: 5million won fine

(26) Kang Ji-Joon (Chief of Beobhwan fishing community):

2010/ Charge: taking the lead of demonstration, obstruction of business etc/ Result: 800,000 won fine

(27) Kang Jung-Soon (villager):

2008/ Charge: act of violence etc/ Result: dispatched to the prosecutorsâ€™ office after investigation by the Seogwipo Police Station

2011/ called by police for investigation under the charge of special obstruction of the performance of official duties during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun on

Aug. 24

(28) Hong Dong-Pyo (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2008/ Charge: related to rally/ Result: dispatched to the prosecutorsâ€™ office after investigation by the Seogwipo Police Station

2011/ Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties on Aug. 24

(29) Hong Dae-Pyo (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

(30) Jung Young-Hee (villager):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2010/ Charge: related to rally, obstruction of business etc/ Result: 1.5 million won fine

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters

(31) Kim Jong-Hwan (villager):

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Result: 5million won fine

(32) Goh Young-Jin (villager):

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Result: 1.5million won fine

2011/ Got police investigation on July 17

(33) Jung Kyung-Bo (villager):

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Result: 1.5million won fine

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (on the dredging construction work on the sea surface on

June 9)/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je, field director of the Chosuk construction company/ call letter date:

July 4

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(34) Cho Kyung-Chul (* co-vice mayor):

2007/ police investigation as witness on the incident related to a Jeju Sori reporter on June 4

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business, obstruction of the performance of official duties / Result:

5million won fine

(35) Go Gwon-Il (Chairman of villagersâ€™ committee to stop naval base since 2011):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 9

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ call letter date: June 22

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ call letter date: June 28

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ call letter date: July 4

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (on the dredging construction on the sea surface on June 9)/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je, field director of the Chosuk construction Co./ Call letter date: July 4

2011/ Charge: Violation of law on the public waters management and reclamation act

/ Accuser: Cho Hyun-Il / Call letter date: July 7

2011/ Charge: Violation of law on the public waters management and reclamation act

/ Accuser: naval base business committee/ Call letter date: July 25

(36) Jung Soon-Sim (villager):

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the Public Waters Act (house installation on May 30)/ Accuser:

Jeju naval base business/ call letter date: July 18

(37) Yoon Chang-Sook (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 11

2011/ Got police investigation in his farming field on July 17

(38) Kang Jung-Geun (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 11

(39) Kim Young-Sam (villager):

2011/ got police investigation on July 17

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 20 (2nd call)

(* Indicted by prosecutors on July 21, annexed with the arrest case of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun,

Song Kang-Go, and Go Gwon-Il, included of Kim Jong-Hwan. The first trial was Aug. 5, 2011)

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the Public Waters (installation of container)/ call letter date: Aug. 3

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic on Aug. 24

(40) Kim Young-woo (villager):

* Specific details are missed

(41) Kim Jong-Hwan (villager):

2011/ got police investigation on July 17

* He is currently imprisoned along with mayor Kang Dong-Kyun and activist Kim Dong-Won since Aug. 24, as of Oct. 12, 2011. There should be lots of police call letters to him. But the specific records are missed. His case needs compensation later.

(42) Goh Young-Jin (villager):

2011/ Charge: violation of Public Waters Act on July 25

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (June 20 sit-in in the naval base business committee bldg. complex)/ Accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ call letter date: Aug. 4

(43) Kim Kyung-Ja (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (June 20 sit-in in the naval base business committee bldg. complex)/ Accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ call letter date: Aug. 4

(44) Lee Young-Ja (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (June 20 sit-in in the naval base business committee bldg. complex)/ Accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ call letter date: Aug. 4

(45) Jung Soon-Sun (villager):

Charge: obstruction of business

Charge: violation of law on the Public Waters Act

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic on Aug. 24

(46) Han Choon-Sun (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties

(47) Cho Yong-Hoon (villager):

Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties

(48) Kim Min-Sou (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je/ call letter date: July 10

2011/ Charge: violation of law related to the Public Waters Act / Accuser: Director of the Jeju naval base business committee / call letter date: July 26

2011/ Charge: violation of law related to the Public Waters Act (house installation on May 30/ Accuser: Director of the Jeju naval base business committee / call letter date: July 25

(49) Kim Mi-Ryang (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic on Aug. 24

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(50) Kang Young-Geun (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic on Aug. 24

(51) Lee Hye-Sook (villager):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of traffic on Aug. 24

(52) Kim Hoon-Sub (villager):

(53) Kim Young-Mi (villager):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(54) Yang Yoon-Mo (movie critic):

2010/ Charge: obstruction of business etc. / Result: 2million won fine

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business, act of violence etc/ Result: 1st court decision of one and half year imprisonment but two yearsâ€™ probation

* Arrested on April 9 and imprisoned by June 1. He got the court decision of 1 and half year imprisonment but two yearâ€™s probation. Many details of his records are missed here.

(55) Song Kang-Ho (activist):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business (on the measuring of maritime water depth on June 18)/ Accuser: Lee Kyung-Ho, field director of the Doyang Co./ Call letter date: July 1

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ Call letter date: May 23

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on June 9/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je/ Call letter date: July 4

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on June 9, 20, 21, 22 + June 18/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je, field director of the Chosuk construction company +Lee Kyung-Ho, field director of the Doyang corporation/ Call letter date: July 18

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jo Hun-Je/ Call letter date: July 9

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do, Woochang maritime construction company/ Call letter date: June 22

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ Call letter date: June 28

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the Public Waters Management and Reclamation (house installation on May 30/ Accuser: Director of the Jeju naval base business committee / call letter date: July 19

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ Call letter date: April 28

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Jung Jin-Do/ Call letter date: May 13

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the Public Waters Management and Reclamation / Accuser:

Director of the Jeju naval base business committee / call letter date: July 25

(56) Hong Ki-Ryong (activist):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on June 9/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je/ Call letter date: July 4

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Cho Hun-Je: Call letter date: July 12

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters management and reclamation (installation of house on May 30)/ Accuser: Jeju naval base business/ Call letter date: July 20

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business by an accuser: Cho Jun-Je on June 9, June 20 and 21, Call letter date: July 20

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(57) Go Yu-Gi (activist):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business on June 18/ Accuser: Lee Kyung-Ho, field director of the

Doyang Co./ Call letter date: July 1

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business / Accuser: Cho Hun-Je/./ Call letter date: July 9

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters management and reclamation (installation of house on May 30)/ Accuser: Jeju naval base business/ Call letter date: July 18

2011: Charge: obstruction of business on June 18, 20/ Accuser: Lee Kyung-Ho, Cho Hun-Je/ Call letter date; July 26 (2nd call)

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(58) Rev. Song Young-Sub (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

* Detailed records are missed.

(59) Goh Dae-Un (worker):

(60) Choi Sung-Hee (activist):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business / Result: 1st court decision of eight months imprisonment but two years probation, currently in appeal suit

* Detailed records are missed.

(61) Kim Ah-Hyun (activist):

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters (installation of house on May 30)/ Accuser: Jeju naval base business/ Call letter date: July 20 (* arrested on Sept. 1)

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business /accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ Call letter date: July 22

(62) Kim Se-Ri (activist)

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters

* Detailed records are missed.

(63) Cho Sung-Bong (movie director):

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters

* Got police call letters three times

(64) Park Yune-Ae (activist):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of business/ Accuser: Kim Dong-Shin/ Call letter date: July 22

2011/ Charge: violation of law on the public waters/ Accuser: Director of the Jeju naval base business committee/ Call letter date: July 26

* Detailed records are missed.

(65) Kang Dong-Soo (teacher):

(66) Kang Sang-Wook (Democratic Labor Party):

2011/ Charge: obstruction of the performance of official duties during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun on Aug. 24

(67) Bae Gi-Chul (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(68) Bou Jang-Won (worker):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(69) Yang Yoon-Ran (worker):

2011/ Called by police for investigation under the charge of special obstruction on public affairs during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor Kang Dong-Kyun on Aug. 24

(70) Oh Jae-Ryong (worker):

2011/ Called by police for investigation under the charge of special obstruction of the performance of official duties during the stand-off with police at the time of arrest of mayor

Kang Dong-Kyun on Aug. 24

(71) Oh Han-Jung (worker):

(72) Kang Hannah (activist):

(73) Kwon Soul-Yong (activist):

(74) Kim Dae-Jin (Democratic Party):

(75) Kim Jong-Il (activist):

(76) Kim Tae-Won (activist):

(77) Park Sung-Soo (activist):

(78) Bang Eun-Mi (activist):

(79) Pyon Yeon-Shik (activist):

(80) Oh Doo-Hee (activist):

(81) Lee Jong-Hwa (activist):

(82) Lim Ho-Young (activist):

(83) Jung Dauri (activist):

(84) Jung Woo-Chul (activist):

(85) Han Jung-Ae (activist):

(86) Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun:

2011/ Arrested on Aug. 25 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 30, after a daily Catholic mass in front of the naval base construction site where Fr. Lee Young-Chan protested against illegal construction and Br. Park Do-Hyun tried to stop police arrest of Fr. Lee. Fr. Moon was only filming/ Charge: Obstruction of business

(87) Fr. Lee Kang-Seo:

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(88) Fr. Han Jae-Ho:

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(89) Kim Bong-Hun (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(90) Kim Hyung-Joo (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(91) Kim Gi-Don (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(92) Oh Hyun-Sook (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(93) Kim Eun(?)-Bok (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(94) unknown woman:

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(95) Ahn Gun-Soo(activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(96) Kim Kook-Nam (New Progressive Party):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(97) Moon Sang-Bin (New Progressive Party):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(98) Kang Woon-Bong (Democratic Labor Party):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(99) Jang Joon-Hoo (Original name: Kim Soo-Yong):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

(100) Kim Hyung-Joo (activist):

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 2 when there was a police raid and resistance to it

(101~111) 11 students (name unknown):

2011/ Arrested by police on Oct. 2 when they attempted to cross a fence/ Released by Oct. 4

(112~115) 4 Hanjon Heavy Industry Workers (name unknown):

2011/ Arrested by police on Oct. 2 when they attempted to cross a fence/ Released by Oct. 4

(116) Fr. Lee Young-Chan:

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 30, after a daily Catholic mass in front of the naval base construction site where Fr. Lee Young-Chan protested against illegal construction/ Charge: obstruction of business

(117) Brother Park Do-Hyun:

2011/ Arrested on Sept. 30, after a daily Catholic mass in front of the naval base construction site where Fr. Lee Young-Chan protested against illegal construction and Br. Park Do-Hyun tried to stop police arrest of Fr. Lee/ Charge: Obstruction of business, violence act2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when he crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(118) Fr. Song Yeon-Hong:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(119) Fr. Kim Chang-Shin:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(120) Fr. Yoo Jung-Hyun:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(121) Fr. Kim Tae-Hwan:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(122) Fr. Doo Sung-Kyun:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(123) Fr. Lim Nam-Yong:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(124) Fr. Kim Kyung-Min:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(125)Fr. Jung Sung-Jong:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers and a woman journalist/ Released on Oct. 6

(126) Jung Jae-Eun (* Journalist):

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 4 when crossed over a fence, along with 8 Catholic Fathers / Released on

Oct. 6

(127) Fr. Moon Kyu-Hyun:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

(128) Han Kyung-Rye:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

(129) Kim Mi-Kyung:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

(130) Hwang Hyun-Jin:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

(131) Lee Jong-Hwa:

2011/ Arrested on Oct. 6 when protested against navy test blast of the rocky coast/ released by Oct. 7

Date of incident: from 2007 onwards

Place of incident: In Gangjeong Village, Jeju Island

I am writing to voice my deepest concern regarding the ongoing arrest and detention against villagers and rights defenders who have held peaceful assembles and demonstrations near the construction site of naval base in Gangjeong village, Jeju Island from 2007 onwards.

According to the information received, Gangjeong village in Jeju Island was designated for a naval base in 2007. Before launching the plan to build a facility, it is needed as legal step that the relevant authority must have the consent of the resident in that area and decide at a meeting of the villagers. However, according to an interview with Mr. Kang Dong-Kyun, the head of Gangjeong village, a meeting for approval of the naval base was illegally held and only 87 out of 1,900 villagers participated in the meeting and everything was passed without due process except the essential area regarding the naval base of place. The construction has started and has been going on while no investigation has been made in spite of the illegality of the meeting.

It is reported that the local police arbitrarily arrested and detained villagers and rights defenders and have taken legal actions against them for their peaceful demonstration as the protester's demands are related to opposing the construction of naval base there. Due to this legal action, the name listed above have been charged with special obstruction of the performance of official duties by the police as well as obstruction of business by the construction company which are constructing the naval base.

I would like to raise some points out of the many which have arisen over the current situation in Gangjeong village, Jeju Island.

When the serious allegation that the decision making process was illegally held in 2007 was raised, and in fact, over 95 percent of residents in Jeju Island opposed the construction of naval base there, not a single investigation has been conducted. Based on this critical flaw, the construction for naval base was pushed forward as a national policy by the local and central government. If taking an example of the

Gangjeong, the government seems to have given a message that the end always justifies the means and it is a unimaginable setback not only the democratic values but also the rule of law.

Secondly, I am shocked to learn that any assembly and demonstration even for praying by religious group with regards to the issue of naval base is prohibited. If there is, the local police repeatedly arbitrarily arrest and detain those protesters and released. Soon after, the legal action follows. At the end of this repeated practice by the law enforcement agencies, it gives clear message to the public that any person will face same trouble as those villagers have already faced. The Gangjeong village becomes now a place where no assembly and demonstration is accepted and freedom of expression and opinion is now in danger by the legal action. It is unacceptable that taking this legal action impede the discourse in accordance with selective law which does not facilitate the protection of the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.

I would like to remind the government of South Korea to the fact that the role of government is to encourage everyone to speak about the problems and find a way to solve the disputed matters not discouraging through legal action. Unfortunately, what the government has demonstrated so far is that the people are forced to comply with the government policy although it ignores the democratic process and rule of law in the country.

Under these circumstances, I strongly urge you to withdraw all charges imposed on the villagers and rights activists for their peaceful assembly and demonstration and stop further arrest and detention in accordance with the international human rights norms and standards and legal actions against them. I also urge you to investigate the flaw which was found in the process of villagers' decision making process and its result should reflect on the current construction.

Gangjeong which was once peaceful fishing village in Jeju Island now becomes a dead society after the repeated arrests, detentions and legal actions. The question must be asked as to how such a peaceful village has now become a place where hatred and mistrust between the government and villagers dominates.

Yours sincerely,

William Nicholas Gomes

William's Desk

www.williamgomes.org

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William Nicholas Gomes
Journalist & Human Rights Activist
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World News

Thursday, February 9, 2012

SOUTH KOREA: Over one hundred villagers in Gangjeong faced legal action for peaceful demonstration

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