A disability rights advocacy group on Tuesday announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the state and Seoul Metro, seeking approximately 100 million won (US$75,000) in compensation.
The group, Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD), alleges that the ban on all subway protests infringes upon their constitutionally protected right to assembly. Seoul Metro, responsible for managing subway lines 1-8, along with a former Seoul Metro official and the state, are accused of violating the fundamental right.
We will demonstrate the unlawfulness of their actions and ensure they are held accountable,” stated the group.
According to a lawyer representing the group, protesters conducted peaceful demonstrations, including silent protests, from November 30 to December 15 last year. The ban preventing them from accessing the station’s platform is seen as a direct infringement upon their right to assemble.
Seoul Metro’s decision to prohibit all subway protests by the group came after they resumed their morning rush-hour protests in November, following a two-month pause, demanding increased government funding to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.
