Dimitrios Patelis, a member of the World Anti-imperialist Platform and the coordinator of the Revolutionary Unification (Greece), visited the “Republic of Korea (ROK)” on May 15 ahead of the 45th anniversary of the Gwangju People’s Uprising.
On May 16, he expressed his support and solidarity with the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) by joining its peace protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, which had reached its 2,789th day.
He demonstrated firm international solidarity with the PDP by holding a signs in both Korean and English bearing slogans such as: “Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol! Resign the Cabinet! Kick Out USFK Insurrection Instigators!”
He also called for the release of Kim Byung-dong, the Gyeonggi Provincial Chair of the PDP, who is currently imprisoned under the National Security Law, with a sign reading: “Free Kim Byung-dong! Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol!“
Afterwards, he moved to the front of the Japanese Embassy, where he joined members of Anti-Japanese Joint Action in their overnight sit-in demonstration at the Girl Statue of Peace, chanting slogans such as “Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol! Resign the Cabinet! Completely Eliminate the Pro-Japanese Traitorous Clique!“
Anti-Japanese Joint Action has been holding a 24-hour sit-in demonstration since December 30, 2015, when the treacherous “ROK”-Japan agreement on the issue of “Japanese military sexual slavery” was announced under fascist former president Park Geun-hye, resulting in the Girl Statue of Peace – installed in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno, Seoul – facing the threat of removal.
Patelis’s visit coincided with the 3,426th day of the Anti-Japanese Join Action’s overnight sit-in demonstration.
This marks his second visit to the “ROK,” following his previous trip two years ago. During that visit, he participated in the Gwangju World Anti-Imperialist Joint Struggle in front of the former Jeonnam Provincial Office and later delivered a presentation at the Seoul International Conference as part of the overseas delegation of the World Anti-imperialist Platform.
During his current visit, Patelis is scheduled to participate in various events in both Seoul and Gwangju, including the Gwangju World Anti-Imperialist Joint Struggle on May 17–18. As his visit coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Gwangju People’s Uprising, it is expected to carry added symbolic weight, shedding light on the uprising’s international relevance.
