By Kang Shin-who
A number of civic groups including known activists are preparing to stage protests during the G20 Seoul Summit in November, police said Friday.
According to the National Police Agency (NPA), several civic and interest organizations have registered to hold rallies during the event, which will run from Nov. 11 to 12. It estimated that the number of protesters could reach 10,000.
Current law stipulates that those seeking to organize such events must obtain prior permission from the police.
“Progressive” groups opposing the G20 summit, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, will stage demonstrations during the summit.
Several non-summit related protests are also scheduled to take place.
Residents of an isolated district in Gangnam, southern Seoul, which is located near the summit venue, have also filed for permission to hold a rally, in which some 500 people will participate on Nov. 4, to protest Seoul City’s development plans there.
A group of handicapped people, who have been calling for the head of a state agency representing their interests to resign, will continue their protest until their demands for his resignation are met.
An association of bereaved families of World War II (Pacific theater) victims has also registered for a rally. About 1,000 members of the group plan to demonstrate and request leaders of the United States and Japan to enact special laws compensating war victims.
In response, police are to strengthen safety and security measures and will strictly curb illegal protests during the summit.
As previous G20 meetings held in London and Toronto experienced violent protests, fears of a similar situation in Seoul are worrying police and clashes with “progressive” groups are expected on Nov. 11, the opening day of the summit
Police are especially worried about demonstrations turning violent and protesters attempting to enter the summit venue — the Coex.
A total of 50,000 police officers including 20,000 riot police will be deployed for the summit. The NPA had previously announced that from Nov. 8 to 12, all rallies and demonstrations within a 2-kilometer radius of the COEX will be banned. Thirty-eight checkpoints will be set up in areas within a 600-meter radius from the site to block demonstrators from approaching the venue.
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