South Korean President Declares Martial Law
The martial law decree issued by South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol has faced significant opposition, resulting in his impeachment by the National Assembly. The decree, announced on December 3, 2024, aimed to ban all political activities and suspend due process rights and freedoms of speech and assembly.
The decree of martial law was initiated in response to opposition efforts to impeach members of Yoon’s cabinet and hinder the budget process. However, the decree was widely seen as an attempt to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions.
The National Assembly voted 204 to 85 to impeach Yoon, charging him with directing the military and police to obstruct the assembly’s vote to overturn his decree. The impeachment vote has been regarded as a triumph of democracy and the rule of law in South Korea.
Human Rights Watch has expressed its approval of the impeachment vote, indicating that it reflects support among South Koreans for democratic institutions and human rights. The organization has also urged for impartial investigations into the events related to the martial law decree.
In related news, Kim Yong-hyun, the former defense under Yoon, has been arrested on insurrection charges. The police investigation team also detained several other senior officials, including Cho Ji-ho, the head of the police agency.
AP News: South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers reject military rule Human Rights Watch: South Korea: President Impeached for Abuse of Power
