[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

""I fled to Myeongdong Cathedral, fearing arrest." Under the threat of arrest: the 2.5 hours of fear for progressive and human rights activists amid Martial Law Decree”, 4 December 2024

On the morning of the 3rd of December, from 10:28 AM onwards, progressive and human rights activists critical of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration faced two and a half hours of sheer anxiety. (…) [The Martial Law decree] banned “all political activities, including political associations, assemblies, and protests,” while prohibiting “workplace strikes, slowdowns, and organizing rallies”. It stated that violators could be arrested, detained, or subjected to searches without a warrant. The decree further labelled activists advocating for their basic rights through protests and demonstrations as "anti-state forces."

…The announcement triggered urgent meetings within various [human rights] organisations.

…Upon hearing the news, the Military Human Rights Centre rushed to Yeouido to secure access for lawmakers and their aides. They feared the immediate escalation of repression and quickly began preparing at Myeongdong Cathedral, a known refuge for activists.

Nam Sook, an activist with the Human Rights Movement Network BARAM, remarked, “Organisations like the National Association of Disabled People’s Rights, which have held numerous protests and demonstrations, would likely face raids based on the decree, with the aim of silencing our resistance and disrupting our activities.”