Tougher Crackdown Slated for Illegal and Violent Protestors

The Justice Ministry yesterday warned of no tolerance and lenience for organizers and participants in illegal or violent demonstrations, including those that are politically motivated.

The ministry will also introduce a number of devices to fend off hostile M&As by allowing a Shareholders Rights ("Poison Pill") Plan and disproportionate voting rights after talks with other agencies.

Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han reported these plans to President Lee Myung-bak in a ministry briefing in the southern Seoul suburb of Gwacheon.

Kim also pledged to amend a law originally conceived to expedite procedures so that a court can determine monetary damages from illegal porters in criminal proceedings. Once amended, a company that suffers damage from illegal activities can save money and time since it will not have to initiate a separate civil action.

A new nationwide prosecution network will also be set up to crack down on illegal campaigning in the run-up to the April 9 general elections. Once implemented, the network will strictly enforce election laws even if a party who reports a violation withdraws it.

The ministry will enlarge the scope of collateral to incorporate personal property, bond and copyrights. This is expected to help small business owners get bank loans more easily.

At the beginning of the briefing, President Lee said, “Unfortunately, our citizens believe in the power of bullying and violent bargaining rather than that of law and order. Strict enforcement and observance of law can increase GDP by one percentage point.”

“Previous administrations controlled the investigative authority of prosecutors for political purposes. I will never commit the same mistake. That’s my promise and you can count on it.”

needjung@donga.com swpark@donga.com