National Security Law sparks demonstrations
Two demonstrations last weekend targeted the draconian National Security Law, which still creates political prisoners despite a former victim of the NSL in the presidential office.
Source :  Base21
by Christian and Terry Park/Base21 Media Activists
dvs-b@t-online.de, parkterry@hotmail.com
Seoul, Korea--Two demonstrations last weekend targeted the draconian National Security Law, which still creates political prisoners despite a former victim of the NSL in the presidential office.
The objective of the NSL, modeled after the Public Order and Security Law used by Japanese colonialism authorities to suppress and punish Korean independence activists, "is to suppress anti-State acts that endanger national security." This broad definition has historically allowed past military dictatorships and the present civilian regime to imprison democratic and human rights activists under the pretext of protecting "national security" from supposed impending North Korean threat. South Korean and international activists, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called for the abolishment of the NSL, but the Nobel Peace Prize winner's administration has so far refused to even revise the law, prompting demonstrations such as those that occured over the weekend.
On Saturday, 150 students rallied in front of the National Intelligence Service headquarters on the outskirts of Seoul, demanding the release of political prisoners. The group was stopped about 500 meters before the entrance by riot police. They were able to hand over a protest letter to NIS officials.
In front of Seoul Train Station on Sunday, 300 protestors from around the country gathered for an anti-NSL rally. Information tables with petitions were set up, and revolutionary dances and songs were performed.
2002 / -1 / 0-
|