Seoul - In anticipation of the forthcoming parliamentary elections on April 10, Seoul police authorities have pledged to intensify their efforts to prevent and address election-related violations. The announcement came as the country prepares to enter the official campaign period next week, signaling a critical phase in the electoral process.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a comprehensive crackdown on illicit election activities is scheduled to commence on March 28, coinciding with the start of official campaigning. The police are committed to upholding political impartiality throughout their operations to ensure the electoral process's integrity. Notably, the police will focus on new challenges such as election crimes involving deepfake technology, assigning cyber investigation units across various regions to tackle these issues.
As of the latest update, police have documented 402 election-related offenses, resulting in the booking of 676 individuals, with 13 cases already forwarded to prosecutors for further action. The majority of these incidents involve the dissemination of false information, underscoring the need for stringent monitoring and enforcement to safeguard the electoral environment. The establishment of dedicated situation rooms at 278 police stations nationwide reflects the authorities' proactive stance in combating election crimes around the clock.
SEOUL – The son of detained South Korean missionary Choi Chun-gil is set to appeal for international support at an upcoming U.N. session in Switzerland, focusing on the plight of his father and other South Koreans imprisoned in North Korea. The Seoul-based unification ministry disclosed that Choi's son aims to garner global attention and assistance for the issue during the U.N. Human Rights Council's current session in Geneva.According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi's son is scheduled for meetings with pivotal figures in human rights advocacy, including Elizabeth Salmon, U.N. special rapporteur for North Korean human rights, and Julie Turner, the U.S. envoy for the same cause. His itinerary includes participation in an event organized by South Korea's permanent mission in Geneva, emphasizing the urgency of international intervention to ascertain the conditions of the detainees and facilitate their repatriation.
Choi Chun-gil is among six South Koreans, notably involving missionaries, held in North Korea under uncertain circumstances. The appeal at the U.N. underscores a broader effort, as South Korea seeks to align with nations like the U.S., Japan, and Canada, which have also been affected by North Korea's detention practices. This advocacy aligns with the South Korean government's stance on addressing what it deems a critical humanitarian and human rights issue.