Japan’s release of radioactive water into the sea has been condemned by its neighbours and many Japanese citizens as well. Those depending on the fishing industry and faring the loss of their livelihoods have been leading protests.  

This video showcases protesters in South Korea last Saturday, who are angry that their government has endorsed the release. They called on the Japanese government to immediately stop the dumping.

Protesters gathered in Seoul on Saturday to condemn Japan’s release of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, and to criticize the South Korean government for endorsing the release plan. The protesters urged the Japanese government to immediately terminate the discharge, while demanding immediate action from the South Korean government to stop Japan’s dumping of the radioactive water.

Video from CGTN

Polls have shown that 4 out of 5 Koreans want a stop to the release, and this is proving to be a headache for the South Korean government. Lee Jeong-mi, parliamentarian and leader of the Justice Party is on hunger strike outside the Janeese embassy.

Some of the protestors briefly occupy the embassy before being dragged out, to continue to make their point outside.

Protesters storm Japanese embassy in Seoul over plan to release Fukushima wastewater

Video from FRANCE 24 English

Criticism from China has been strong. Public opinion against the dump is running hot here as well. This isn’t surprising, given that populations close to Japan will be the primary victims of any contamination. Although Japanese authorities insist that most nuclear contaminants have been removed, not all have, and this is causing concern.

China accuses Japan of ‘arbitrarily dumping nuclear-contaminated’ Fukushima water

Video from FRANCE 24 English