Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said his government will prosecute organizers and participants should anti-government rallies take place during the upcoming Liberation Day weekend in violation of quarantine regulations.

At an online press briefing on Tuesday, Oh said 38 groups have so far notified the police of plans to conduct 190 rallies, adding the city government has banned all in accordance with infectious disease prevention laws.

While recognizing the guarantee of freedom of expression, Oh said restrictions are required when such freedom inflicts damage to others and threatens public interests.

The mayor urged those planning rallies to cancel for the lives and health of Seoul residents, pledging to exert all efforts toward preventing further spread of COVID-19.

In cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the city government plans to dispatch over 100 of its employees to expected rally locations to prevent gatherings of people.