Photo: Yonhap News
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency says it will do everything in its power to block civic groups from holding anti-government rallies scheduled for next month.
Dozens conservative and religious organizations are planning to hold public demonstrations across the capital on the occasion of National Foundation Day on October 3 as well as Hangul Day on October 9.
There are concerns that such rallies could lead to community transmission of the new coronavirus, triggering another surge of infections as was the case with demonstrations held on Liberation Day last month.
A Seoul city police official said on Monday civic groups that reported plans to stage rallies of 10 or more people have been notified they are prohibited from doing so.
The official warned police will break up any illegal gatherings.
According to the police, as of Sunday, nine groups have registered to hold 32 rallies in the Jongno, Yeongdeungpo and Seocho districts on October 3, while six groups plan to hold 16 rallies the following week.
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