Arrest warrants sought for 7 students over break-in
Prosecutors said Sunday they have asked a Seoul court to issue arrest warrants for seven student activists on charges of breaking into the residential compound of the U.S. ambassador to Korea.
Nineteen students and members of a progressive civic group broke into the grounds of the home of U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris in central Seoul, Friday, using a ladder to climb over a wall. They were protesting the U.S. government’s alleged demand that Korea should pay $5 billion (5.89 trillion won) toward the upkeep of the United States Forces Korea — a 500 percent increase from the 1.04 trillion won paid this year
The protest came five days before representatives of the two countries begin their second round of defense cost-sharing talks in Hawaii, Tuesday.
According to the prosecution, it decided to formally seek the arrests of seven of them after reviewing the results of a preliminary investigation.
The move came one day after the police also requested prosecutors to seek warrants for the arrest of nine students, while releasing 10 others — although they will remain under investigation.
The prosecution did not elaborate on why it did not seek arrest warrants against the other two, saying, “It’s difficult to reveal details related to the investigation.”
In response to the illegal entry into the residential compound, the U.S. Embassy urged Korea to strengthen efforts to protect all diplomatic missions, noting “with strong concern” that the break-in was the second of its kind in 13 months.
In the wake of the incident, police deployed about 80 additional officers, bringing the number of personnel protecting the residence to 110.
Meanwhile, the university group held a press conference in front of the Namdaemun Police Station demanding the release of its members.