President Lee Orders Strict Investigation into 'Jamsil Protest' Obstruction, Citing Harassment of Civilians

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered the police to conduct a strict investigation into protesters at the suffrage demonstration currently being held at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Jamsil, Seoul, specifically regarding acts such as restricting civilians from entering the facility.

On his social media account today (June 15), President Lee wrote, "Protesters must exercise restraint to ensure their actions do not infringe upon the rights of others beyond the scope of expressing their opinions."

He further stated, "I have instructed the police to conduct a strict investigation into not only the perpetrators but also their accomplices regarding the obstruction of business by force, such as the protesters' harassment and restriction of civilian access."

In his post, President Lee attached a news article dated June 11, which reported that the protest has paralyzed the operations of sports organizations using the gymnasium, placing national athletes at risk of being unable to participate in international competitions.

At the site of the ongoing blockade protest at the Jamsil Olympic Park vote-counting station, some protesters, primarily those claiming election fraud, have been blocking all individuals attempting to enter the handball gymnasium—where the counting station was set up—and even conducting illegal searches of personal belongings.

Nine sports organizations, including those for fencing and handball, are housed inside the gymnasium, and their administrative operations, ranging from preparations for international events to the payment of staff salaries, have come to a halt.

Previously, during a meeting of senior secretaries and aides held via video conference on the night of June 14, President Lee remarked, "I fully acknowledge and accept the legitimate concerns raised by our citizens regarding the infringement of suffrage." However, he pointed out, "Forces that exploit this to incite absurd conspiracy theories are rearing their heads again."

He emphasized, "It appears that some are even threatening police officers on site, intimidating nearby citizens, occasionally performing incomprehensible search and inspection acts, and blocking access, thereby obstructing business," adding, "We must rightfully hold them accountable according to the law and principles."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.