Police in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek are investigating a mass brawl involving foreigners. The investigation is checking a version of a conflict between groups of citizens of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The brawl occurred late in the evening on October 3 near the port of Pyeongtaek. A kindergarten and an elementary school are located nearby. The number of those directly involved in the brawl was approximately 15 people.
Police have already detained two men aged around 20 — a Russian and a Kyrgyz national. They were hospitalized with injuries, including fractures. The detainees deny involvement in the attack and claim they themselves became victims of a beating while walking down the street.
The remaining suspected participants fled. Their identities and citizenship have not yet been established. Police are checking the version about the involvement of Kazakh citizens, but there is no confirmed data on this yet.
Wooden boards and a baseball bat were found at the scene. Rumors about the use of a weapon with iron nails were not confirmed.
Police are studying camera footage and the license plates of cars in which the participants may have left. Investigators are also checking whether they had agreed to meet in advance and who provided the transport.
"We are mobilizing all available personnel to conduct special operations to prevent crimes before their detention, in order to prevent public unrest," a police representative said.
If involvement in the attack is proven, those responsible could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won (about 3.39 million tenge). If bodily harm is caused under such circumstances, the punishment could range from one to ten years in prison.
In addition to criminal punishment, foreigners may face deportation from South Korea. This issue is being considered by migration authorities taking into account the circumstances of the case and the status of stay. No decision has yet been reported to expel the detainees.