Seoul police deny excessive force in Saturday protest

Seoul police have expressed regret that a protester was critically injured when shot by a water cannon at a large anti-government rally on Saturday.

But Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Gu Eun-su told a press conference that police had “justly exercised governmental authority” and that they did not believe they used "excessive power."

"We express regret over the critical injuries sustained by the farmer surnamed Baek in the process of suppressing the protest and we wish a speedy recovery for him," he said.

But he said that an inspector general who investigated the officer who fired the water cannon at Baek had been unable to confirm that the officer violated any regulations regarding the use of water cannon.

Gu also said regulations stated that when protesters posed physical harm to police officers or their equipment, police were authorized to use water cannon.

However, if a protester was injured, police were obliged to help the injured person and report the incident to the commanding officer.

Baek reportedly fell after being shot, but police continued to fire.

A video of Baek being shot has been posted online, triggering a public outcry over abuse of governmental authority.

Police reportedly used 182,100 liters of water, 441 liters of tear gas and 651 liters of capsicum spray to suppress Saturday's protest.

Police used more water than they did during the rally marking the first anniversary of the Sewol tragedy on April 18.