Fears grow for freedom of expression in South Korea

As political turmoil gripped South Korea in 1948, with a Soviet-backed regime to the north plotting infiltration and invasion, the authoritarian leader Syngman Rhee pushed through a law giving himself sweeping powers to punish dissent and subversive activity. Nearly 70 years and much political change later, the law not only remains in place but is set to become more draconian. New government proposals would make it easier for prosecutors to dissolve organisations accused of “anti-state” activities such as voicing support for the North. South Korea is cracking down on dissent as governments across Asia are taking similar steps, to the alarm of activists, democrats and many citizens.