KCTU leader detained for further questioning
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Han Sang-gyun, head of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), has been detained for further questioning regarding charges that he allegedly organized illegal rallies.
The Seoul Central District Court said that it issued a warrant to detain the trade unionist around 1:00 a.m. Sunday.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), Han was questioned for about two hours from 4:45 p.m. Saturday on charges of organizing illegal and violent rallies including this year’s May Day rally and the Nov. 14 anti-government demonstration.
Police said that Han has remained silent regarding the police investigation except to provide basic personal information
Han faces eight charges including organizing unapproved rallies, disobeying orders to disperse, obstructing traffic, interfering with official duties and damaging public property.
However, sedition charges that police had previously considered were excluded from the warrant to detain him. Violators of this law can face up to 10 years in prison or less than 15 million won ($12,695) in fines if convicted.
Police said sedition charges may be considered later after reviewing juridical evidence.
“We have not had any sedition cases in recent years,” said a police official.
“We will further investigate whether Han intended to organize such activities and whether he allocated certain roles to union members to incite violence.”
Police are expected to decide whether to request arrest warrants for other KCTU leaders soon.
After his nearly month-long refuge in Jogye Temple in central Seoul, Han surrendered himself to the authorities Dec. 10. Police immediately took Han to the Seoul Namdaemun Police Station for questioning.
Han was previously indicted without detention on charges of illegally organizing the occupation of roads leading to Cheong Wa Dae during a rally related to the Sewol ferry accident in May last year. A court later issued an arrest warrant after he refused to show up for a hearing.
The KCTU strongly condemns the police investigation citing that the authorities have unfairly targeted Han and other union members.
“The police investigation came up with absurd allegations that the KCTU has recruited violent members to incite physical clashes against police in anti-government demonstrations on Nov. 14 and Dec. 5,” said a KCTU official.
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