ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Missionary: "There is unrest in society, but people will defend democracy"

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 politics civil society justice

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

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Missionary: "There is unrest in society, but people will defend democracy"

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Bishops on the impeachment of President Yoon: "We will always be at the side of the People"

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - "There is a general unrest among the population: after the impeachment and arrest of the President, there is a feeling of uncertainty and waiting for a solution to a matter that could take several more months. But one thing is clear: Koreans want to protect the achievements of democracy at all costs," says Consolata missionary Father Diego Cazzolato, who has lived in the East Asian country for thirty years and is currently resident in the community of Dajeon, to Fides. The Italian missionary recalls that "immediately after the declaration of martial law, a general mobilization took place in all Korean cities". "People, especially adults and the elderly, were immediately reminded of the painful events of 1980," he explains. "At that time," recalls Father Diego, "the dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan had been established after the coup of December 1979. In the spring of 1980, demonstrations by professors and students demanding democratic reforms increased. The government responded with a violent crackdown, declaring martial law nationwide on May 17, 1980. The next day, May 18, saw the well-known massacre in Gwangju, where a popular uprising against the dictatorship had broken out. "The South Korean army's violence claimed hundreds of victims," he continues. "It is a dark chapter in national history. The memory of these events still carries weight and has been reawakened in these recent events. The population has relived this nightmare and will do everything to prevent it from happening again." After the Supreme Court confirmed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was detained on January 15, supporters of the former president stormed the Seoul District Court on Sunday, January 19, and vandalized the building. In connection with the police intervention, 83 people were injured and 87 arrested. The raid caused unrest in the country and was described by the press as "one of the biggest challenges to the judiciary in recent decades," with damage estimated at 600-700 million won (about $500,000). "Acts of terror targeting individual judges or court proceedings are not only a complete rejection of the rule of law, but also an affront to all constitutional institutions. This is an extremely serious matter," said Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the Supreme Court's administrative office. Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae called an emergency meeting with the judges to discuss measures to prevent similar incidents while an investigation is underway to determine responsibility and bring charges against the protesters. In the case against former President Yoon, the Korean Constitutional Court is expected to confirm or annul the impeachment proceedings against Yoon by June 11. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 21/1/2024)