close
close

South Korea lifts martial law decree after vote | News, sports, jobs

South Korea lifts martial law decree after vote | News, sports, jobs


South Korea lifts martial law decree after vote | News, sports, jobs

In this photo provided by the South Korean Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press conference at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Ministry of Unification from South Korea via AP).

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s government early Wednesday lifted martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject the military regime.

Police and military were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote, and the declaration was formally lifted at around 4.30am during a Cabinet meeting.

Yoon, who appeared likely to be charged for his actions, imposed martial law Tuesday night and vowed to eliminate “anti-state” forces while fighting against an opposition that controls parliament and which it accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Less than three hours later, parliament acted and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared that martial law was “invalid” and that the legislators “protect democracy with the people.”

In total, martial law was in effect for about six hours.

The president’s surprising move harkens back to an era of authoritarian leaders the country had not seen since the 1980s, and was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which has the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said party lawmakers would remain in the main hall of the Assembly until Yoon formally lifted his order.

Woo applauded how the troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote.

“Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed today’s events and seen the maturity of our military.” Woo said.

While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to indict key government officials and high-level prosecutors. He said lawmakers had participated in “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the State.”

Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage after Yoon’s statement showed troops moving in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong. hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party.

Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday.

Hundreds of protesters reportedly gathered outside the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment.

Some protesters clashed with troops before lawmakers voted, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken when troops tried to enter the Assembly building. A woman tried unsuccessfully to take a rifle from one of the soldiers, while screaming “Aren’t you ashamed?”

According to South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “times of war, war-like situations or other comparable states of national emergency” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state.

When martial law is declared, “special measures” It can be used to restrict freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of the courts.

The constitution also states that the president must comply when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote.

Following Yoon’s announcement, the South Korean military proclaimed that parliament and other political meetings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant.

In Washington, the White House said the United States was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A National Security Council spokesperson said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified before the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members stationed in South Korea. They are not confined to the base or under any type of curfew, Ryder said.

The South Korean military also said the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been on strike for months over government plans to expand the number of students in medical schools.

Shortly after martial law was declared, the speaker of parliament called on his YouTube channel for all legislators to meet at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions.”

The 190 legislators who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law.

At one point, television images showed police officers blocking the entrance to the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers with rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, probably military, landing within the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters hovered overhead.

The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party called the decision to impose martial law “mistaken.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.”

Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country of “fall into the depths of national ruin.” he said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”

“I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country.” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some drawbacks”.

Yoon, whose approval rating has fallen in recent months, has struggled to push his agenda in the face of an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.

Yoon’s party has been caught in a stalemate with the Liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also tried to pass motions to indict three senior prosecutors, including the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office, in what conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations into Lee, who has been seen as the favorite to the presidency. the next presidential elections in 2027 according to opinion polls.

During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “Blatant pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens.” but did not give more details.

Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who sought inter-Korean engagement.

Yoon has also rejected calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing swift and strong rebukes from his political rivals.

Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee.

Sydney Seiler, Korean president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament.

“You have nothing to lose” Seiler said, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in football, where he expected to have little chance of success.

Now Yoon faces possible impeachment, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold decision, Seiler said.

Natalia Slavney, a research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website who focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious setback for democracy” that followed a “Worrying trend of abuse” since taking office in 2022.

South Korea “has a strong history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and rapid political trials,” Slavney, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye, the country’s first female president, who was removed from office and jailed for bribery and other crimes in 2017.



Today’s latest news and more in your inbox