Disability rights group files suit against Seoul Metro, state over subway protest ban
The Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination protests at the Hyehwa station platform in Jongno District, Seoul, Jan. 2. Yonhap
A disability rights advocacy group said Tuesday it will file a lawsuit seeking some 100 million won ($75,133) in compensation from the state and the Seoul Metro for banning all subway protests.
The Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination accused Seoul Metro, the operator of Seoul's subway lines 1-8, a former Seoul Metro official and the state of violating the group's constitutionally guaranteed right to assembly.
"We will prove that their acts are unlawful and hold them accountable," the group said during a press conference in front of Seoul's Hyehwa Station.
A lawyer of the group said the protesters held peaceful rallies, such as silent protests, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 15 last year, and banning them from entering the station's platform amounts to a violation of their right to assembly.
Seoul Metro has banned all subway protests by the group, after they resumed their morning rush-hour protest in November 2023 after a two-month halt to demand increased government funding to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including mobility rights. (Yonhap)