The JTBC branch of the Korean Journalists Association announced plans for legal action after some protesters, rallying against a shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, assaulted reporters.
According to Yonhap News on June 5, the JTBC branch stated in a press release, "An unprecedented situation occurred where protesters claiming election fraud confined and assaulted JTBC reporters," urging for severe punishment for the perpetrators.
The statement continued, "While covering the vote counting at the Olympic Park handball arena, the protesters surrounded the venue and blocked the entrances, forcing reporters to escape through windows due to safety concerns."
It was also reported that the protesters threatened a reporter attempting to exit through a window, demanding identification and physically restricting their movement. The JTBC branch confirmed it has secured footage of the incident and intends to pursue legal measures against those involved.
Additionally, the branch is considering legal action against the public disclosure of reporters' personal information and the spread of false information via social media.
The JTBC branch emphasized, "Violence against journalists is an infringement on press freedom and the public's right to know," calling it a serious threat to the foundations of democracy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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