Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – South Korea police have launched an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol for alleged treason following his brief declaration of martial law earlier this week. The controversial move, which only lasted a couple of hours, has sparked public outrage and calls for his resignation.
Local Yonhap news agency reported that a team from the National Police Agency has been assigned to investigate the president. Allegations of treason have also been directed at other high-ranking officials, including recently resigned Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, army chief of staff General Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
Two formal complaints accusing President Yoon of treason were filed; one by a minor opposition party and another by a group of 59 activists. The accusations stem from Tuesday night’s declaration of martial law, during which the president cited threats from “anti-state forces” and opposition politicians.
According to the report, the four are accused of “treason and other related charges for their roles in the declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law on Tuesday.”
On Tuesday evening, Yoon made a live broadcast announcing the measure as he accused the Democratic Party of attempting to undermine the country’s democracy and claimed that they were collaborating with North Korean forces to destroy the country.
Read also: Korea’s Martial Law Declaration Sparks Political Crisis, National Protests
The president’s declaration included suspending political activities, strictly controlling the media, and banning strikes and work stoppages. He justified the drastic measure by saying it aims to protect the country’s “liberal democracy” from subversive forces threatening to overthrow the government.
Following Yoon’s announcement, Korean lawmakers held an emergency session of the National Assembly and voted unanimously (190-0) to lift martial law. The vote was met with heavy resistance from security and military forces who tried to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly building.
In addition, protests erupted across the country with calls for the resignation or impeachment of the president. Clashes between police and protestors lasted throughout the night.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting at 4:30 am, Yoon announced the lifting of the martial law order and military personnel began withdrawing from the National Assembly.
Despite the lifting of the measure, protests continued and opposition was determined to pursue impeachment proceedings, set to take place on Saturday.
