Seoul police chief regrets, but defends, raid on protesters

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul police chief said Wednesday that he regrets the deaths that occurred Tuesday during a standoff between police and a group of protesters, but defended the raid as necessary to preserve public order.

A deadly fire erupted at a building in the Yongsan ward, located in central
Seoul, on Tuesday morning during a clash between police commandos and a group of
protesters staging a sit-in against an urban redevelopment project of the area.
The fire killed six people, including a police officer, and left more than 20
injured.
"The situation where protesters were throwing makeshift firm bombs and golf balls
at nearby areas and buildings could no longer be overlooked," Commissioner Kim
Seok-ki, appearing at a parliamentary hearing, said as he explained how the
decision was made to send in special police forces.
He said he will "maintain a consistent and strict policy on illegal and violent
protests," indicating he does not regret the decision.
The protesters had occupied the building since Monday, demanding higher
compensation for the forced closures of their businesses caused by the
redevelopment project. An initial probe indicated the blaze was caused by the
mishandling of paint thinner used in makeshift explosives. But police and
protesters have conflicting versions of what started the fire.
"The police must protect the people when they feel threatened ... It is the duty
of the police to protect lives and property," said Kim.
Kim also said the police weren't aware of how much paint thinner the protesters
had stocked on the rooftop.
Comments by Kim, who was appointed by President Lee Myung-bak as the country's
new police chief, come amid mounting pressure for his resignation. He was accused
of using excessive force last summer in dealing with demonstrators opposed to the
reopening of South Korea's market to U.S. beef.
Earlier Wednesday, the victims' families demanded the government reprimand
officials responsible for the raid.
"We demand the government punish everyone responsible for the bloody crackdown
that suppressed the people's struggle for their right to live," the families said
in a joint statement.
President Lee Myung-bak said during a meeting with aides that the incident was
"heart-breaking," and that it should never happen again, according to people who
were present at the meeting.
He also decided to postpone nominations for vacant ministerial-level posts in an
apparent move to avoid negative public opinion following his nomination of Kim as
the new police chief. The nominations were expected to be announced this week.
The main opposition Democratic Party demanded the president immediately fire Kim
and the public safety minister, and called for a parliamentary investigation into
the incident. The ruling party insists that a thorough fact-based assessment must
precede any punitive actions.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government, meanwhile, said the tragic incident has made
it imperative to review standing policies on compensation for people who have to
leave their homes and shops due to redevelopment.
It did not go into detail, but hinted the city may compensate those who are
displaced as a result of urban development work.
Those who took part in the sit-in claimed they were paid only a small portion of
the money they used to lease homes and shops, and that forcing them out would
endanger their livelihoods.
"The new policy will encompass the need to help people who are forced to move out
and the need to uphold law and order," said Mayor Oh Se-hoon.
There are currently 26 "New Town" development projects on the drawing board in
the capital city, covering a combined 23.98 million square meters. All the sites
have the potential to meet opposition by residents.