Homes of Protest Leaders Searched

Police obtained arrest warrants for eight leaders of the People`s Association for Measures Against Mad Cow Disease on the suspicion that they have spearheaded illegal demonstrations and searched the homes of seven of the association’s leaders Tuesday.

Police seized personal computers and documents related with demonstrations.

On Monday, police obtained seizure and search warrants for eight leaders of the association including Park Won-seok of the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Han Yong-jin of Advanced Solidarity of Korea.

Police announced, “Since one house was locked, we did not forcefully open the door. However, we’ll search the house as soon as possible.”

Police will request an arrest warrant for Hwang Soon-won, who was hauled into custody after police searched the office of Advanced Solidarity of Korea, on the suspicion that he illegally occupied the street and demonstrated.

According to police, Hwang has denied that he is the man behind the scenes leading the association.

Police analyzed the details of 23 computers, documents, and items used for demonstrations, which were seized at the offices of the association and Advanced Solidarity of Korea.

Police said, “The results of our analysis will enable the pace of the investigation to move faster.”

dawn@donga.com