Protesters, police clash over US base

[cal04]

ONE thousand South Korean anti-US protesters and farmers clashed with police today as forces moved in to clear two rural townships and pave the way for a new, consolidated, US military base. Protesters wielding bamboo sticks fought with police armed with batons and metal shields at several spots in the 9.4sq km area, about 70km south of Seoul. Scores of protesters suffered injuries in the clash and they said the number would grow.

The confrontation has been brewing for months since about 100 farmers refused to vacate the area where South Korea and the US agreed two years ago to move the main US military base now in Seoul and several others throughout the country. The number of protesters, many of whom are anti-US military activists, unionists and students, grew sharply last night in expectations the Government would send in thousands of police and military engineers to evict the area.

"The groups that are opposing the US military base move project are the ones that previously demanded the move of the Yongsan base," South Korean Defence Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said late on yesterday, referring to the base in Seoul. "Now, by opposing the move to Pyongtaek, they have simply contradicted themselves and this can only be a demand for the withdrawal of the US military." Last-ditch talks between the Government and local residents for a compromise broke down on Monday. Local residents, mostly elderly farmers, and protesters have said no amount of compensation can justify the move.

About 30,000 US troops are stationed in the country in combined defence with the South Korean military against possible aggression by communist North Korea. South and North Korea are technically at war under a truce that ended the 1950-53 Korean war. The South Korean Government has said further delay in the base relocation could cause diplomatic friction with the US.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19021813-1702,00.html

[Oversea Visitor]

1. One thing about S.Korea

They do know how to protest
And yes they pretty voilent
It is going to blow.

[Chrisduhfur]

2. Problem with violence.

Once the crowd gets violent and starts harming bystanders or the police then it gives the police more room to strike back hard. Also, breaking stuff usually causes resentment among those looking at it from the outside.

[Oversea Visitor]

3. S. Korea protester are different breed.

They ready to fight. They come armed with lots of stuff to fight with. Very organised. They march at riot police like phalanx. Gee I seen them in action so many times. It is amazing. There is no bystanders usually.

You either a protestor or you stay far far away.

[400Years]

4. They rock!

[0007]

5. They do indeed! Something gotta give.

[Oversea Visitor]

6. The goverment usually back down

Hell they have boot out so many corrupted Leaders and Representatives.
They just dont bloody give up.

[Up2Late]

7. This article is a major white-wash,Check out this report from Amnesty Int.

(Note: This is an Amnesty International Press release)

<http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=ENGASA250042006>

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Media Advisory

AI Index: ASA 25/004/2006 (Public)
News Service No: 113
4 May 2006

South Korea: Thousands of riot police in bloody eviction for US base -- photos and resources
Up to 130 people are reported injured after 13,000 riot police and 3000 troops were deployed today against 700 campaigners and farmers protesting against the eviction of their village. Almost 350 people have been arrested. The land, in Daechuri village, Pyongtaek, is to be used for the expansion of a US base.

Amnesty International response
"The sheer numbers of injured demand an independent investigation into the policing of these forced evictions and demonstrations. The authorities must release all those who have been arrested simply for peaceful protesting."

"We are deeply concerned at the forced eviction of these elderly farmers -- under the current terms it leaves them financially very vulnerable, with few opportunities to make a living. We urge the government to carry out a fresh consultation, allowing them adequate compensation."

Quotes can be attributed to Rajiv Narayan, East Asia researcher at Amnesty International.

Photos
A local campaigning group, Save Pyongtaek Farmers, has agreed to allow media full usage rights to their photographs. The photos show in graphic detail the storming by police of the village school; injured protesters; clashes between armoured police and stick-wielding demonstrators; and elderly villagers facing eviction.

To access the photos, please go to <http://saveptfarmers.org/blog/>

Contacts and interviews
Amnesty International press office in London, UK: [phone]

Amnesty International Korea office [phone]; Amnesty International Korea Director Hee-Jin Kim [phone].

Further information
For more information and quotes, please see South Korea: Elderly farmers forcibly evicted for US army base at <http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA250012006?open&of=ENG-KOR>

Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on [phone]
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: <http://www.amnesty.org>

For latest human rights news view <http://news.amnesty.org>

<http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=ENGASA250042006>