NEW YORK — Some 50 people attended a vigil here Feb. 21, protesting the South Korean government’s attacks on unions and political opponents and demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye.

In a blow to political rights and the right to free speech, seven members of the United Progressive Party were framed up and convicted Feb. 17 on charges of plotting an insurrection and violating the National Security Law. The National Intelligence Service, South Korea’s central spy agency, filed the charges. Lee Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a 10-year ban on running for office. Six other party members received sentences ranging from four to seven years.

During a rail workers’ strike in December, the government declared the strike illegal, issued arrest warrants for strike leaders, raided union headquarters and threatened hundreds with firings.

The protest, organized by the New York Overseas Korean Emergency Committee, was the eighth in the last six months.