Farmer’s Union Files Immediate Appeal Against ‘Tractor Ban’ by Law… Standoff Expected at Namtaeryeong (Comprehensive Report)

Farmers express “deep regret” as court bans tractor march
Farmers instructed to gather in Namtaeryeong, while some conservatives also gather
Police declare “strict response following legal principles”, ‘[Edaily by Kim Hyunhwan] After the court sided with the police by issuing a ban on the tractor march, the Korea Peasants League (KPL) immediately filed an appeal. A confrontation is expected on the 25th between the tractor demonstrators and the police in Namtaeryeong.’,
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Farmers from the Jeon Bong-jun Squad of the Korea Peasants League drive tractors and trucks toward Seoul to participate in a rally demanding the arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol, encountering police forces near Namtaeryeong Pass on January 21st. (Photo – News1)

, ‘The Minbyun Committee of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, acting as KPL’s legal representative, stated on the afternoon of the 25th that “The decision by the Seoul Administrative Court contradicts the constitution and international human rights treaties that guarantee the freedom of assembly and protest” and filed an immediate appeal.’,
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, ‘Previously, on the 22nd, the Jeon Bong-jun Squad under KPL reported to the police their plan to hold a rally on the 25th using 20 tractors and 50 1-ton trucks. However, the police did not approve this, leading KPL to file for an injunction with the Seoul Administrative Court. The Administrative Division No. 3 of the Seoul Administrative Court (presided over by Judge Choi Soo-jin) partially approved the injunction submitted by KPL against the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, allowing only the truck rally.’,
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, ‘In response, KPL expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “The court’s arbitrary decision to allow trucks but not tractors shows a lack of understanding of the meaning and reality of farmer’s tractor marches,” adding, “The court’s unfair decision, which could unnecessarily provoke conflict in a situation allowing for peaceful marches, is deeply regrettable.”’,
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, ‘The police stated their intent to respect the court’s decision. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency commented that they would “ensure the maximum protection for allowed segments while strictly enforcing legal principles regarding disallowed parts” and urged the organizers to hold the rally within the scope permitted by the court, considering public safety.’,
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, ‘As KPL remains defiant against the court’s decision, a clash in Namtaeryeong is anticipated on the 25th. KPL has directed the Jeon Bong-jun Squad to gather in Namtaeryeong by 1:30 PM on the 25th. Meanwhile, some conservative groups are forming a consensus to gather in Namtaeryeong to oppose the KPL, setting the stage for a potential standoff.’,
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, ‘Previously, in December of last year, KPL mobilized about 30 tractors for a rally towards Seoul, facing a 28-hour standoff with the police. The group eventually marched near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, joined by participants from a pro-impeachment rally against President Yoon. The police are currently investigating KPL leaders and others for charges including public traffic obstruction.’