Condemning the Police for Criminalizing the Yellow Ribbon

(15 May 2014, Seoul) Police aroused criticism because they randomly stopped and questioned visitors who entered Kyeongbok Palace wearing yellow ribbons. Many people voluntarily wear the yellow ribbons as an expression of solidarity for the victims’ families as well as for the missing people from the Sewol ferry disaster. To make matters worse, at least one of the policemen did not follow protocol by disclosing his name and affiliation. He also refused to explain why the visitors were being questioned. This is clear evidence of the excessive exercise of governmental authority—and it must be stopped immediately.

Police are supposed to stop and question only those who have committed a crime or appear suspicious. It is hard to avoid the impression that the police’s targeted stops of visitors at Kyeongbok Palace indicates that the police are regarding citizens with yellow ribbons as potential troublemakers. Since when is it a crime for people to express their condolences or call for the government to take responsibility for its people? These excessive police actions are shocking.

This is not the first time the police have harassed citizens with yellow ribbons. On May 9th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency gave instructions that citizens wearing yellow ribbons should be prevented from joining the protest in front of the Blue House. When the victims’ families demanded a face-to-face interview with the President, the presidential spokesperson even emphasized that only “actual victims’ families” could have such an interview. Recently, government officials have denounced any group showing sympathy for the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster—as well as any critical opinions of the government—basically claiming that such sympathy makes citizens appear seditious.

Are the police and government trampling democracy and fundamental moral principles? Are they preoccupied only with securing power? The government’s response to the people is hurting the victims’ families. Police must work for the entire nation, protecting its peoples’ rights, and not protecting the government. The police should apologize for the random questioning and cease this harassment of citizens.

Statement in Korean >> ‘노란 리본’ 불온-범죄시 하는 경찰 당국 규탄한다

Translated by Seon-mi Jin, Volunteer
Proofread by Kelly Lee, Volunteer