Civic groups slam gov't control on downtown square

SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- Opposition parties and progressive civic groups on
Monday slammed the government decision to ban demonstrations at the newly-opened
central Seoul plaza, calling it repression of democracy and civil liberties.

After 15 months of renovation, the Gwanghwamun plaza was reopened to visitors
over the weekend, featuring new national monuments and pedestrian-friendly
boulevards showcasing the South Korean capital's six-century history and culture.

The landmark plaza, measuring 550 meters in length and 34 meters in width, was
visited by more than 370,000 people over the two-day period from Saturday,
according to city data.
With the opening of the plaza, concerns were raised among authorities that the
site could turn into another staging ground for massive anti-government protests.
Seoul Plaza in front of the City Hall, which officials said was meant to host
citizens' leisure and cultural activities, has been frequently occupied for
rallies.
To prevent the Gwanghwamun area from being dominated by protesters, the
government said it will only allow "orderly cultural events" that do not cause
traffic congestion or disruption.
"The Gwanghwamun plaza has never been properly returned to its rightful owners.
With the ban on legal demonstrations and rallies, the plaza is nothing but a
garden belonging to the Seoul Metropolitan Government," opposition parties, led
by the main opposition Democratic Party, and civic groups said in a joint press
conference at the plaza Monday.
"More than 47.5 billion won (US$38 million) was spent out of the people's pocket
to create the plaza, but they haven't been allowed the rightful use of the area.
We will fight for the right we deserve," the group said.
Progressives claim democracy has been rolled back since President Lee Myung-bak
took office in February last year, beefing up police control of the central Seoul
area to prevent protests. The conservative administration has been cautious in
permitting events that could develop political overtones, especially after the
months-long rallies against U.S. beef imports last summer.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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