A group of Korean and foreign academics in Europe has issued a statement criticizing the government for the methods it is using to manage state affairs.

In the statement, 32 Korean and foreign scholars at European institutes and universities accused the government of threatening democracy and violating freedom of press, expression and assembly.

They also criticized Seoul for its decision to punish unionized teachers who issued an anti-government statement on Thursday. The statement called for an overhaul of governance in line with the right of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

Hundreds of Korean students studying in the U.S. and Europe are also said to be preparing a similar anti-government statement.