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Police Book Activist Over Comfort Women Statue Defamation as President Lee Condemns Acts

The case follows a yearlong far-right campaign targeting memorials, with more than 100 protests nationwide.

Overview

  • Yangsan Police said they booked an unnamed activist on allegations of defamation, property damage, and violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act.
  • Investigators began the probe after a complaint filed in September and are also looking into additional participants, though reports differ on whether three or four are involved.
  • Police cited the activist’s social media posts that mocked the statues and shared photos alongside insulting remarks, including labeling the memorials a fraud.
  • President Lee Jae Myung denounced the defacement of the statues, calling the incidents mindless acts of defamation against the deceased.
  • Lawmakers have put forward bills, including a proposal by Rep. Seo Mi-hwa, to stiffen penalties for defaming victims and vandalizing commemorative statues.