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A Farmer's Death during the Yoido Farmers Rally [2005] KRNHRC 25 (15 November 2005)

The National Farmers' League submitted a petition regarding the rally held by a group
of farmers in Yoido on November 15, 2005. Upon accepting the petition, the
Commission formed a special investigation team of 10 investigators and conducted a
comprehensive investigation based on written testimonies, relevant records,
riot police practices, interviews of witnesses and informants, media
reports, and a number of on-site investigations of Yoido Park.

The investigation concluded that there was an excessive use of force which
brought about the death of Mr. Chun,Yong Chul and Mr. Hong, Duck Pyo.
The police are to use the force only at minimum level in breaking up an assembly
regardless of its legality. In this incident, however, the police used batons and shields,
which may only be used for the defense purpose, to attack the non-violent
demonstrators. The Commission also learned that the police mobilized the riot squads
for the purpose of arresting demonstrators, even though the law requires that riot
squads first make an attempt to break up the assembly.

The Commission requested that the prosecutor's office make an investigation of the riot
police unit for the two deaths, and issued a warning to the police superintendent,
deputy superintendent and the head guard. A disciplinary action against the director of
the Seoul District Riot Police was recommended. As for the captain, commanding
officers, and the riot police officers who actually participated in the cruel action against
the demonstrators, the Commission requested an internal investigation and
recommended disciplinary actions according to the levels of illegality of their actions.
Investigators conducted on-site investigation of farmers' death on December 19, 2005.