[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'It’s beyond freedom of assembly and association'

On Sunday, the presidential security service announced that it has redesignated a guarded area near the residence of former President Moon Jae-in, located in Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang. The previous security zone was limited to the fenced area around his residence. From Monday, the security area was expanded to up to 300 meters from the fences.

“People who gathered for demonstrations or rallies in front of the residence have used fake guns and box cutters, which is considered to be dangerous," the security service said. "We concluded that it is necessary to strengthen the security forces for the former president. Residents who are suffering from inconveniences caused by the demonstrators were also took into account."

On Aug. 15, Kim Jung-sook, Moon’s wife, sued a demonstrator aged 65, who had been participating in demonstrators from May, for intimidation. On the day after he was sued, the police arrested him without a warrant as he had threatened one of Moon’s secretary officers with a box cutter. The perpetrator was placed under arrest with a charge of special intimidation.

#crossing_the_line
“That’s the right thing to do. They must not turn a blind eye to illegal demonstrations and threats. The law should be fair and strict.”
“Swearing and threatening with a knife? They’re crossing the line. It’s beyond freedom of assembly and association.”

#related_costs_will_go_up
“How many personnel will be needed to expand the guarded area?”
“Moon already has 60 security guards.”

#stop_the_demonstrations
“Residents living in the area are suffering a lot. Isn’t there a solutions to prevent the situation?”
“Ban undesirable demonstrations and you'll save the taxpayer money as well.”

BY KIM EUN-SONG, BY HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]