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S. Korean Lawmakers Brawl Over Trade Bill

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2008 2:04 PM CST
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(Newser) – A melee erupted in South Korea’s parliament today as opposition MPs attempted to break into a closed committee chamber, the BBC reports. Members of the ruling party had barricaded the door as they began the process of ratifying a controversial free trade agreement with the US. Opposition lawmakers used construction tools to pry open the door, only to encounter security guards who sprayed them with fire extinguishers.

The committee chairman, from the majority GNP party, authorized the use of force to “keep order,” the AP reports. The committee succeeded in its task, which brings the bill one step closer to a vote in parliament. Opponents say the agreement will hurt South Korean farmers by allowing an influx of cheap American food. “This is a declaration of war against the opposition and the people,” the opposition Democratic party said.

South Korean opposition Democratic Party members, right, struggle with security guards and aides from the ruling Grand National Party.
South Korean opposition Democratic Party members, right, struggle with security guards and aides from the ruling Grand National Party.   (AP Photo)
A South Korean opposition Democratic Party member with a hammer beats a door to enter into a parliamentary committee room.
A South Korean opposition Democratic Party member with a hammer beats a door to enter into a parliamentary committee room.   (AP Photo)
South Korean opposition Democratic Party members try to enter into a parliamentary committee room.
South Korean opposition Democratic Party members try to enter into a parliamentary committee room.   (AP Photo)
South Korean opposition Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Ki-jung and Baek Won-woo, right, struggle with security guards.
South Korean opposition Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Ki-jung and Baek Won-woo, right, struggle with security guards.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 19, 2008 1:26 AM CST
LMAO< you might have to be a MMA just to be in the Bull market now.

Sledgehammers, crowbars, and knocked-out teeth
Daily Mail (UK)

Now that Seoul has acted, focus turns to Washington
Voice of America

Physical confrontations are nothing new in S. Korean politics
Times (UK)

 
South Korea • Parliament • free trade agreements • committee • opposition • brawl

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