Police Officers Report Harm Amidst Election Protest

During ongoing protests stemming from ballot paper shortages in the June 3rd local elections, thirteen police officers have reported suffering physical and psychological harm.

The protests, centered around the Olympic Park in Seoul, have led to officers experiencing injuries during crowd dispersal and while managing equipment. Six officers sustained minor injuries while attempting to clear a polling station to allow ballot boxes to be removed. Another seven officers reported psychological distress, including being subjected to insults such as 'public security police' and 'Temu police,' and having their images posted online.

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The human rights and pride of the police have fallen beyond what is necessary. I think it is time to think about how we can restore them.

Some protesters allegedly hurled personal attacks and baseless suspicions about officers' national origins. The situation has prompted concerns within the police force about a perceived erosion of their dignity and authority.

In response to the alleged mistreatment, the police are investigating two cases. One involves allegations of obstruction of justice and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act for defamation. A senior police superintendent, who was deployed to the Olympic Park protest site, was reportedly surrounded, mocked, and insulted by protesters. His wife has filed a complaint against dozens of netizens.

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Police officers in uniform are also 'citizens in uniform.' The insults and mockery directed at police officers deployed to the Jamsil protest site by some protesters have gone too far.

President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged the situation, sharing a media report about the police's plight and stating, "Police officers in uniform are also 'citizens in uniform.'" He condemned the "outrageous violence" directed at officers at the protest site and urged that such "unreasonable acts of violence" against police and bystanders cease.

Rep. Kim Nam-hee emphasized that while the freedom of assembly and protest should be respected, violence and personal insults against police officers clearly cross that boundary. She called for the National Police Agency to ensure the protection and healing of affected officers and to respond strictly to illegal activities according to the law.

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The freedom of assembly and protest must be respected, but violence and personal insults against on-site police officers clearly go beyond that boundary.