S. Korea Opposition to Defy Government, Hold Rally

The country’s major opposition party vowed Friday to stage a rally today in defiance of the government, which declared the gathering illegal and warned that it expects violence.

Police were placed on full alert nationwide until Sunday. In Seoul alone, police sources said the government plans to mobilize about 40,000 policemen to stop the rally by opposition groups demanding direct presidential elections.

The New Korea Democratic Party said it would push ahead with plans to stage the rally this afternoon at a park in downtown Seoul. The rally was called to press for a constitutional amendment requiring direct presidential elections and abolishing the electoral college system. The ruling party favors a parliamentary Cabinet system that would give the prime minister full powers and make the presidency a ceremonial post--a proposal the opposition contends is a ploy to keep the present ruling group in power.

Opposition sources said smaller rallies may be held at other locations if police block the main rally.

12,000 Police to Be at Park

Police sources said 12,000 policemen would be stationed around the park and approaches to the site sealed off. Prosecutor Suh Dong Kwon ordered police not to hesitate in making arrests.

“The opposition rally is an unlawful gathering and in view of its scale and nature could cause serious social unrest,” Suh said. “Pick up and punish according to law all those who stage illegal gatherings and demonstrations or use violence and cause disturbances in connection with the opposition-sponsored rally.”

Authorities said radical youths distributed leaflets calling on fellow students to take an active part in the rally.

Thursday night, police searched seven offices of the New Korea Democratic Party in Seoul and seized placards, leaflets, microphones and loudspeakers used to promote the rally.

Kim Dae Jung, one of the opposition leaders calling for the rally, was confined to his home in Seoul for a third day Friday, his aides said.

In Washington, the State Department urged South Korea to respect freedom of association and speech and said it was “monitoring the situation.”