Seoul city fines opposition party for illegal use of public square

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Monday it will demand
some 1 million won (US$795) in fines from the main opposition party for occupying
a public square in central Seoul without permission from the municipal
government.

The Democratic Party (DP) had set up two makeshift tents at Seoul's city hall
plaza Tuesday evening to participate in a massive rally commemorating the 22nd
anniversary of the June 10 pro-democracy movement.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government had rejected the DP's request to use the
square, saying the gathering was not a cultural event and thus violated
regulations governing use of the area. The square, located in front of Seoul City
Hall, has long been a staging ground for street campaigns by civic groups.
"The DP occupied the square, although the city government did not grant
permission. We are, therefore, charging them an indemnity according to the
ordinance," a city government official said.
A formal notice for the 1.31-million-won fine will be sent within the week, the
official said.
The amount was calculated based on the size and hours the area was used, plus a
penalty for unauthorized use, according to the official.
Tens of thousands of people gathered for the June 10 rally to remember the
pro-democracy movement of 1987 that led the country's then ruling military regime
to accept direct presidential elections. Police said they arrested some 40
protesters on suspicion of violence during the rally.
brk@yna.co.kr
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