The Busan Environment Council, joined by some 30 civic and social organizations in Busan, held a press conference on Sept. 25 to denounce Japan's release of radioactive water from Fukushima.
"As of the end of July, Fukushima's radioactive water amounted to 1.15 million tons," the Busan Environment Council said. "The Japanese government should release information on radioactive water from Fukushima in a transparent manner before deciding to release the water," it said, adding, "It is a grave criminal act that can affect the global maritime environment because of economic problems."
"Japan should keep in mind that if Japan releases radioactive water, not only the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, but also the U.N.-level investigation and sanctions can take place at a time when the harmlessness of radioactive water is not scientifically proved," it added.
"This release is feared to pollute the marine ecosystem after eight months of the release by flowing into southeastern coast, Busan, Korea," it said.
The council called on the Japanese government to immediately withdraw its plan to release radioactive water, keep the contaminated water at the site for a long period of time and form a joint organization with the international community.
It delivered the demands contained in the statement beyond the main gate of the Japanese consulate after giving a performance to inform people about the loss of marine life and human lives due to radioactive water.
Meanwhile, Eom Jae-sik, chairman of the Nuclear Safety Commission, said on Sept. 24 that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) understands the (Fukushima Pollutant Water Discharge) issue and concerns raised by South Korea.
"The IAEA considers this issue important," he said at a news conference. Um recently attended the 63rd IAEA general meeting in Vienna, Austria with government officials. The government insisted that the international community should jointly respond to the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima.
