[Courtesy of Cheongwadae(the Korean presidential residence)]
President Park Geun-hye has warned terrorists may take advantage of anti-government street rallies to carry out attacks in South Korea.
In an unscheduled cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Park heavily criticized a violent street rally against the government’s labor and education policies erupted in central Seoul 10 days ago and urged the National Assembly to pass a long-delayed anti-terrorism and anti-cyber terror legislation.
"Those who masterminded and instigated violence behind the scene must be punished strictly under the law and principle to cut off the vicious circle of illegal acts and violence,” she said.
The president also blasted protesters for wearing face masks during recent rallies, saying terrorist organizations could take advantage of such rallies to carry out attacks.
The president also condemned opposition lawmakers for allegedly foot-dragging on a number of economic bills aimed at boosting the country’s sluggish economy.
"They sit down providing lip service to worry about the economy and livelihood. But this is nonsense because they don't do their jobs. This is hypocrisy."
During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Park said Korea is not safe from terrorism, citing the recent arrest of an Indonesian citizen on a forged passport who is suspected of following a terrorist group affiliated with extremist groups.
President Park’s government has pledged to join a global campaign against terrorism in the wake of Paris attacks which claimed 130 lives.
By Alex Lee
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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