Court issues injunction against protesters blocking construction on naval base

A regional court on Monday issued an injunction against angry protesters who for months have been blocking the construction of a major naval base on South korea's southern resort island of Jeju.

South Korea's central government began building a naval base on Jeju's southern coast facing the South China Sea in January. When completed in 2014, the base will be home to about 20 naval vessels and two 150,000-ton cruisers.

The project was about 14 percent complete when angry villagers, joined by environmental and pacifist activists from outside of the island, mounted violent protests against it in June. Dozens of protesters have been arrested.

On Monday, the Jeju District Court approved an injunction sought by the local government and the navy against the protesters, saying that violators should pay a fine.

Protesters argue that the naval base would only escalate an arms race in the region while degrading the pristine environment of the honeymoon island. The central government says the base is necessary for national defense.

The issue has recently become a hot political issue as opposition parties accused the government of using unnecessary force to crack down on protesters. (Yonhap News)