By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Police will request an arrest warrant for an Internet user over allegedly promoting illegal activity at candlelight rallies and encouraging violence at them on www.daum.net's Agora page.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Monday it will file the warrant for a 48-year-old identified as Na for having sent text messages and emails to people encouraging their participation in candlelit rallies against the resumption of U.S. beef imports. Under the name ``Gwontaeroun Chang'' (tedious window), he allegedly sent out articles calling for the impeachment of President Lee Myung-bak, and others calling for aggressive action.
According to the police, Na, who runs a private essay-writing institute, organized about 40 illegal protests ― separate from the People's Association for Measures against Mad Cow Disease, who were the main organizers ― and also threw pebbles at riot police on one occasion.
Na is also suspected of instigating the participants to become louder and more violent at the rallies by saying, ``To all 40-somethings, wake up and listen to history calling for your struggle.''
Na appeared on a TV debate program in July labeling the governing Grand National Party's attempt to regulate online users as ``outdated.''
He also released a book about his and his fellow's activities at Agora and has also been at the frontlines of those protesting the government's alleged suppression of KBS.
Na has reportedly denied all allegations saying that all he did was to appear on TV and post a few articles.
The police said it will investigate more Internet users on similar suspicions and seek their prosecution.