Police to support National Election Commission special prosecutor team's ballot inspection; 'Firm response to obstruction'

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will deploy about 2,400 police officers to support the National Election Commission special prosecutor team's on-site inspection related to the ballot shortage during the 9th popularly elected local government term.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 27th, police plan to deploy 48 mobile units, 150 dialogue police officers, and 300 detectives and investigators, among others, ahead of the ballot inspection scheduled for the 28th at the Handball Gymnasium in Olympic Park, Songpa District, Seoul.
Earlier, on the 26th, the special prosecutor team for the National Election Commission provided police with its plan to inspect ballots and other materials stored at the Handball Gymnasium and requested cooperation in maintaining order at the site.
Since June 5, police have been safeguarding ballots and other materials subject to investigation related to the ballot shortage to prevent them from being damaged.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to respond firmly, in accordance with the law and principles, if anyone obstructs the special prosecutor team's inspection or investigation, or commits illegal acts such as assault, defamation, or coercion against police officers, public officials, or others.
A police official said, "We recognize the importance of establishing the facts behind allegations that the people's right to political participation was infringed," and added, "We will actively cooperate in ensuring safety and maintaining order at the site so that the special prosecutor team's inspection proceeds without disruption."
[email protected] Lee Dong-hyuk Reporter