By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Police have built a barricade with containers in central Seoul to stop demonstrators against U.S. beef imports advancing toward the presidential house of Cheong Wa Dae Tuesday.
They put about 60 containers in the center of Gwanghwamun and two other areas surrounding the presidential house.
Police said they put up the barricade to avoid clashes with demonstrators. They have used police buses as barricades but demonstrators have pulled them away.
``We used containers to avoid clashes with demonstrators,'' a police officer said.
They built a two-story wall with 2.7-meter-high containers that weighs 4 tones each.
In related news, demonstrators who used violence during rallies have been sentenced to fines not exceeding 200,000 won ($200) in a summary trial.
As of June 9, a total of 561 demonstrators have been taken to police stations in Seoul. Of them, 18 were released and 56 protestors have been sent to Seoul's five courts. Prosecutors charged 484 without physical detention and sought arrest warrants for three.
At the Seoul Central District Court alone, 10 had a summary trial and nine received a fine of 100,000 won with one on probation. Police said the rest of protestors at four other summary courts will receive similar fines up to 200,000 won. According to the law, those who illegally occupy roads can face a maximum fine of 200,000 won.
But police said 484 demonstrators will face more severe punishment for charges that they actively and intentionally led violent rallies. They could face jail terms of up to one year or a maximum fine of 1 million won.
Candlelit vigils turned more violent recently. Some protesters started to use steel pipes, set fire to patrol buses and attacked riot policemen. The violent clashes have left many injured on both sides.