MPs spend nine days reading aloud from internet comments and George Orwell's 1984 to block a law
The marathon filibuster lasted a total of 193 hours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Politicians in South Korea have attempted to block a law by talking for 193 hours. The marathon filibuster lasted nine days and included passages from George Orwell’s novel 1984 being read aloud. Some also read out news articles and online comments in a bid to block the bill.
The legislation was an anti-terrorism bill which some MPs argued would limit personal freedoms.
Filibustering is a tactic used by politicians to forcibly block a bill by talking continually in a legislative chamber until the consideration time for the legislation expires.
38 politicians took part in the filibuster, which began on 23 February, with some wearing trainers to help them stay on their feet during the prolonged session and refusing to drink liquids in order to reduce their toilet breaks and enable them to spend more uninterrupted time in the chamber.
They had intended to continue until 10 March, the required date in order to successful block the legislation. However, the MPs only lasted until 1 March, after which they admitted defeat and the bill was passed.
With additional reporting by AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments