South Korean lawmakers filibuster to block controversial anti-terror bill

South Korea’s opposition party lawmakers were staging the country’s first filibuster for nearly 50 years on Thursday to block an anti-terrorism bill that gives more surveillance powers to the country’s spy agency.

Since late Tuesday, eight lawmakers from the opposition Minjoo Party and Justice Party have taken turns to hold the main floor of parliament for nearly 50 hours.

Lawmaker Eun Soo-mi on Wednesday delivered a speech for more than 10 hours – a local record – to call for the disputed bill to be revised, in the country’s first filibuster since 1969.

The bill, pushed by the ruling conservative Saenuri Party, allows the spy agency to collect a wide range of personal data – some without a court warrant – including phone records of those suspected of posing a security threat.

The bill also allows the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to have Internet posts deleted if it deems they pose a threat to public security.