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South Korean farmer activist laid to rest amid controversy

Emmanuel Baek Nam-ki died 10 months after being hit by a water cannon during a protest and falling into a coma
South Korean farmer activist laid to rest amid controversy

Protesters gather outside Seoul National University Hospital to stop police from retrieving the body of Emmanuel Baek Nam-ki for an autopsy, in Seoul on Oct. 25. (Photo by AFP) 

Published: November 11, 2016 10:13 AM GMT
Updated: November 11, 2016 10:13 AM GMT

Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul presided over a funeral at Myeongdong Cathedral for an activist farmer who died from injuries he received during an anti-government protest a year ago.

Some 1,000 people attended the funeral for Emmanuel Baek Nam-ki, 68, who was rushed to hospital after being hit by water cannon on Nov. 14, 2015. Among those at the funeral included Timothy Moon Jae-in, a former presidential candidate and other politicians.

While in hospital Baek fell into a coma. He died on Sept. 25 but was not buried until Nov. 6 because his family resisted a police request for an autopsy, afraid they would tamper with evidence. Eventually the police backed down.

The Yonhap news agency has quoted people making the case that Baek died because of excessive use of force by police, seen often during public rallies.

However, police claim there is no clear link between the water cannon and his death and had sought to perform an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

While he was in hospital Baek became a symbol for anti-government activists and Catholic supporters for democracy.

"I'm begging God's mercy for Mr. Baek and wish his soul will rest in the arms of God," said Cardinal Yeom.

Baek's eldest daughter, Monica Baek Doraji was grateful for the support. "It's meaningful that my father's funeral is being held at the church where he was baptized. I appreciate all the people who supported us and stayed with him," she said.

Archbishop Kim Hee-joong of Kwangju strongly criticized the government for not apologizing for Baek's death.

"Nobody has taken the responsibility of his death and there is no formal apology from the government. The one who should protect its people must apologize for his death," said Archbishop Kim.

Beak's body was moved to Gwangju, his hometown, on Nov. 6 and laid to rest the National Cemetery of Mangwoldong.

Baek was part of a protest by fellow farmers in Gwanghwamun Square, the public space in downtown Seoul that is often the venue for protests.

They were protesting against President Park Geun-hye's government urging her to intervene in the price of rice by guaranteeing the purchase of their produce at a time when successive bumper crops had led to a sharp drop in prices and adversely affected their income.

Baek was injured when the protest turned violent after many clashed with police and he was hit by a jet from the water cannon which was captured on video.

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