Prosecutors to indict all arrested May Day protesters

SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors said Monday they will indict all protesters
arrested on suspicion of violence during the May Day demonstrations, reaffirming
the government's earlier warning to clamp down on unauthorized and violent
demonstrations.
Police arrested 221 suspects for violent conduct against police during the May
Day weekend rallies, which also drew protesters marking the first anniversary of
candlelight vigil against U.S. beef imports.
Prosecutors said they are seeking arrest warrants for five detainees. They are
charged with throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at police and striking a
police officer with an iron club. Prosecutors said they may request more warrants
for those who escaped.
"The government had already issued a ban on rallies in which violence or traffic
chaos were feared," said Oh Se-in from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. "The
damage from the violent protests is substantial. We will deal with them
resolutely."
All cases related to the protests will be concluded within one to two months,
prosecutors said.
The opening ceremony for an annual Seoul City festival was canceled by the
protests, and the damages will be presented to the court, they said.
brk@yna.co.kr
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