Activists rail against FTA, military presence in Iraq

About 20,000 farmers, workers and activists yesterday staged a massive protest in Seoul yesterday against the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, government labor policies, and the extension of Korea`s troop deployment in Iraq.

Members of various progressive organizations, including the Democratic Labor Party and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, occupied the 16-lane road in front of City Hall during the afternoon rally.

Some 23,000 riot police were deployed in the area, and 64,000 police officers were mobilized across the country to prevent protesters from entering Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency last week refused to grant a permit for the demonstration due to possible violence and major traffic disruption.

Police used a helicopter to take photograph of protesters, which may be used later as evidence to charge them.

The activists rallied against the ratification of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, and pressed for an improvement in the employment status of irregular workers. They also called for the withdrawal of Korean troops from Iraq and Lebanon.

(sharon@heraldm.com)