Seoul police union condemns mockery, abuse of officers at Jamsil ballot-counting protest

By Kim Do-yoon, The Herald Business

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's workplace council condemned verbal abuse and assaults by some protesters against officers deployed at the Jamsil ballot-counting center, saying the officers' "pride is being crushed by merciless insults and violence."

Representatives of the council held a press conference Monday morning outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, declaring they "can no longer overlook human rights violations against police officers." Officers at protest sites endure their duties with patience and dedication — often caught between political disputes and competing interests — while keeping public order and citizen safety as their top priority, the council said.

"It must not be repeated that the human rights of officers who silently serve to protect public safety and the rule of law are violated," the council said. "Police officers are also someone's precious family members and citizens in uniform. No one's fundamental rights should be trampled simply because they wear a badge."

The blockade protest at the Jamsil counting center, triggered by a ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections, entered its 11th day Monday.

Earlier, some participants directed mocking remarks at officers on the scene — demanding they state their rank and name and show identification while taunting them with comments such as "Chinese public security agents are walking by" and "Prove you're real police by radioing in." The taunts have fueled growing fatigue within police ranks.

Meanwhile, in addition to the ongoing occupation at the Olympic Park handball gymnasium in Songpa-gu, a separate rally of about 50 people was scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday near Cheong Wa Dae in Jongno-gu.

Police have concluded that the protest is unlikely to disperse in the short term and are preparing for a prolonged standoff.

The council called on the Korean National Police Agency to draw up concrete measures to protect officers in the field, urging authorities to "establish effective countermeasures to ensure the safety and protect the human rights of officers at the scene."