SEOUL, Dec 3 : South Korea waded into troubled waters, as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency late-night television address Tuesday, but the country’s parliament voted to demand withdrawal of the decision.
However, the military command, formed with the declaration of martial law by the President, issued a decree banning all political activities, including those related to the National Assembly (the country’s parliament), as also protests and activities by political parties, Yonhap News Agency (YNA) said.
The decree was issued by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who has been named to lead the command.
“All political activities, including those related to the National Assembly, regional assemblies, political parties, the forming of political organizations, rallies and protests are banned,” Park said.
The country’s defence ministry has ordered a meeting of key commanders, and stressed on increased vigilance, the YNA reported.
“The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom,” Yoon said in the televised address.
The decision came after the opposition Democratic Party railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.
Yoon did not say what specific measures would be taken. He cited the motion by the Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject the budget proposal.
Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behaviour aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed these acts have “paralysed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.”
He described martial law as a necessary measure to eradicate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and essential to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass on a stable nation to future generations.
Lawmakers soon after voted to block the president’s move, after both the ruling party and opposition vowed to obstruct the declaration, BBC reported.
Protests have been taking place outside parliament, with reports speaking of people chanting “No martial law” as police sirens rang out.
Yoon in his address accused the opposition of turning the nation into a “drug haven” and creating a state of disorder detrimental to public safety and livelihood. He also said the Democratic Party was attempting to overthrow the liberal democratic system, declaring, CNN reported.
“The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse.”
The declaration, however, brought the president on a further collision course with the political parties.
Ruling People Power Party chief Han Dong-hoon called the President’s declaration of martial law as “wrong” and said he will “block it” together with the people.
The Democratic Party called Yoon’s declaration as ‘unconstitutional, anti-public.’
(UNI)
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