Court Rules Against Police in Anti-China Protest Case

A Seoul court has ruled that police efforts to suppress a protest planned against the Chinese Communist Party, set for October 3, were unlawful. This ruling comes as Freedom University, a conservative group advocating against China’s influence in South Korea, is organizing a gathering titled “Never Summit.” The group is rallying citizens to protest the Chinese government’s growing impact on President Lee Jae-myeon’s administration, noting the significance of October 3rd as a day of national pride in Korea.

On the same day, President Lee expressed his views during a meeting, where he criticized the anti-China demonstrations occurring in the country. He urged South Koreans to show appreciation towards China instead, categorizing concerns about the Chinese regime as “hate speech” and “misinformation.”

According to reports, Freedom University had appealed to the court to lift a police ban on anti-Chinese slogans at their rally. The police had previously attempted to prohibit chants expressing negativity towards the Chinese Communist Party.

Freedom University has communicated plans for a march from Dongdamung Station to Gwangwamung Square on October 3, expecting around 10,000 participants. The Seoul metropolitan police had issued a prohibition against derogatory chants on September 26, warning that violations could lead to restrictions at the protest site.

The court did not view the police’s ban as a violation of free speech but noted procedural errors in how the ban was enacted. It highlighted that regulations require police to issue such bans within 48 hours when protests fall under prohibited categories. In this instance, the police failed to deliver the ban within that timeframe and instead issued additional orders more than ten days later.

While the court ruled in favor of Freedom University, it also stated that police retain the authority to intervene if the protest poses an immediate threat to public safety, emphasizing that only clear threats of violence would justify police action against the demonstration.

In response, Freedom University referred to the court’s decision as a “small victory” and called for ongoing support to continue their efforts. Their statement indicated that the fight for justice in South Korea is ongoing, with victories needing to be built over time.

Following the calls for support against the conservative Yoon Sook-yeol’s expulsion, President Lee reiterated his intent to stifle anti-communist expressions within the nation. He condemned the planned conservative rally as “totally harmful,” suggesting it only fuels hatred and racism.

Lee further questioned, “How can we engage in hate, insulting and abusive behavior when we should be grateful, encouraged, and welcomed?” He notably did not outline specific government actions aimed at reducing anti-communist sentiments in South Korea.

Additionally, a Chinese state propaganda outlet reported that Lee’s comments seemed to align with Chinese expectations of curtailing dissent within South Korea regarding the communist regime. Freedom University has previously faced police action for organizing anti-China demonstrations, including one where participants protested by tearing down the Chinese Communist flag, which is illegal in South Korea.

The group is continuing their advocacy efforts, even holding rallies in the United States in support of their mission. Recently, they staged a rally outside the U.S. Capitol and have planned a candlelight vigil in Seoul in memory of a public figure assassinated in September.