[Dec 11] Greenpeace nuclear activists sue South Korean government

[아름드리 나무]

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/564824.html

Greenpeace nuclear activists sue South Korean government

Posted on : Dec.11,2012 16:18 KST

After being denied entry and not given a reason, Greenpeace members seek damages 

By Park Tae-woo, staff reporterInternational environmental organization Greenpeace has filed a lawsuit against the South Korean government denying entry to members of the organization.Six staff members, including Mario Damato, representative of the organization’s Seoul office, Greenpeace International and Greenpeace East Asia, held a press conference on Dec. 10 at the Seoul Central District Court and announced that they would seek damages from the South Korean government on the grounds that the six members were denied entry to South Korea nine times, the first of which occurred in November 2011, following the opening of the Seoul branch office in June.Greenpeace said, “Considering the circumstances, the entry denial can be seen as the South Korean government’s intention to block any attempt at criticizing nuclear policies,” adding, “The South Korean government’s attempt constitutes an attack on freedom of speech and a violation of human rights.”Greenpeace Korea Climate and Energy campaign team leader Lee Hee-song said, “Despite the Fukushima distaster, which showed the world the huge risks of nuclear power generation, the South Korean government is refusing to listen to any voices of dissent, and launching vicious attacks against any and all who oppose it.” Greenpeace accused South Korea of violating Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a document that has been ratified by South Korea.The six members who were denied entry are seeking reimbursement from the government for their plane tickets as well as compensation for mental damages.　Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]　..................................................See also Summary of entry denial, related to Gangjeong issue is http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/I51g/630