Graffiti Rat Case challenges South Korean Freedom of Expression
Please imagine that you spray graffiti rats on a few government posters. You get caught. Presumably, the worst that will happen is a warning or a fine before you’re released. Right?
Well, in an affront to freedom of expression in South Korea with strongly political overtones, one person faces the prospect of 10 months in prison.
On 31 October 2010, Mr. Park sprayed graffiti of a rat on 22 adverts of the G20 Summit around Seoul. After a citizen’s report to the police, he was arrested in accusation of vandalism against public property. The Prosecution asked for 10 months imprisonment, which seems excessive, given the nature of the case.
The reasons why the Prosecution asked lengthy imprisonment are the following:
- It is not an accidental painting but a intentional crime that had organised far ahead of the event
- It is aimed to disturb a globally important event by drawing such a sinister symbol as rat
- By drawing a rat rather than Korean people and children, Mr. Park insulted their wish for South Korea to become a global leader through G20 Summit.
January 11, 2012, 1:21pm
