South Korea's Lee directs officials to 'punish hate speech without delay'

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday directed civil and police officials to “punish hate speech without delay” as well as counter disinformation.

Lee was addressing a Cabinet meeting, where he directed authorities to make every effort to block the dissemination of fabricated information, Yonhap News reported.

"There are still anachronistic acts of discrimination and hatred based on race, origin or nationality in some parts of our society," Lee said.

"On social media, hate speech targeting specific groups is spreading indiscriminately, while false and manipulated information remains rampant," Lee added.

Lee said such acts “can no longer be tolerated.”

“These acts go beyond the bounds of freedom of expression. We must establish mechanisms to punish hate speech without delay," said Lee, addressing the police and civil administration.

Urging politicians to help combat hate crimes and disinformation, Lee said these acts “threaten democracy and everyday life” and directed police to root out such behaviors.