Thousands mourn Korean farmer activist Baek Nam-gi, the struggle continues

On November 6, thousands gathered for the funeral procession of farmer leader Baek Nam-gi in Gwangju Geumnamno Square, site of the 1980 democracy uprising. The protestors reiterated calls for the authorities to be held accountable and to hold an official investigation into his death.

At the time Baek Nam-gi was struck down by police water cannon during the National People’s Rally on November 14, 2015, farmers organizations and trade unionists were protesting against the Trans-Pacific Partnership’s (TPP) threat to food security and farmers’ livelihoods. IUF Asia/Pacific Regional Secretary Hidayat Greenfield addressed the mass funeral procession, expressing condolences to Baek Nam-gi’s family and friends, while pledging continued international solidarity.

The very emotional burial ceremony of Baek Nam-gi follows a six-week struggle against aggressive police efforts to seize his body by force.

Another People’s Rally will be held on November 12 to condemn the government’s brutal crackdown on last year’s demonstration and demand the release of imprisoned trade unionists.