Police lift blockade on Seoul city hall plaza

SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- Seoul police on Thursday withdrew their barricade
around a downtown plaza put in place nearly 10 days ago to prevent crowds of
mourners for late President Roh Moo-hyun from staging anti-government protests.

Over 30 police buses had surrounded the square in front of Seoul City Hall where
large numbers of citizens gathered daily after former President Roh Moo-hyun took
his own life on May 23.
Roh's death triggered harsh public anger against the Lee Myung-bak government who
they say conducted a "politically motivated" investigation into bribery charges
surrounding Roh and his family. People set up a makeshift alter for Roh next to
the square, drawing tens of thousands of mourners paying tribute to the late
leader.
Police said they blockaded the area to prevent political gatherings and violent
rallies. The plaza was opened temporarily for Roh's public funeral on May 29 but
was cordoned off again after the funeral.
Civic groups criticized the blockade, calling it an abuse of police power. Under
municipal ordinances, the Seoul city government is entitled to decide whether a
group or groups can hold activities at the square.
Police buses and vehicles withdrew from the plaza early Thursday morning.
"We barricaded the area to maintain public order. We think it is time to lift it
for public convenience," a police official said. "It was not because we gave in
to public criticism."
Despite the withdrawal of the barricade, the Seoul city government reversed an
earlier decision and will now not allow a human rights film festival to be held
at another plaza several hundred meters from city hall.
The municipal government had given permission in February for the festival
scheduled from Friday to Sunday.
"We revoked permission in consultation with the police because most of the films
to be featured are about the current situation. The event could turn into illegal
demonstrations," an official said.
Organizers of the festival said they will push ahead with their original plan.
"The authorities are infringing on our freedom of expression," said the
Sarangbang Group for Human Rights in a press release. "We will not change our
schedule. The festival will open on Friday."
brk@yna.co.kr
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