Wanted union leader says he will continue fight against gov't

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- The head of a progressive labor union who disappeared
after fleeing police surveillance vowed Thursday to participate in next month's
labor rally, saying he would continue his struggle against the government.
Lee Suk-haing, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), was
put on the police most wanted list on charges of organizing illegal protests over
the resumption of U.S. beef imports. He has been taking refuge within the grounds
of Jogye Temple, the headquarters of Korea's largest Buddhist sect in central
Seoul, since late last month.
Lee and five other activists also sought by police left the hideout around noon
Wednesday, breaking through the 24-hour police surveillance surrounding the
temple grounds.
"I have not slept well or eaten properly since the Lee Myung-bak government and
police brutally suppressed us (during the protests)," said Lee in a statement
sent to ICTU headquarters just before his escape. "The police have kept us under
constant surveillance by patrolling the temple, even with cameras."
Lee said he decided to join hands with laborers to organize the upcoming
nationwide rally, which is slated for Nov. 9, adding he felt helpless while
hiding in the temple.
He urged workers to participate in the November demonstration to denounce the Lee
Myung-bak government's failure in managing the nation's financial crisis and its
pro-business policies.
Police have stepped up efforts to locate the whereabouts of the escaped activists.
brk@yna.co.kr
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