South Korea martial law latest: Parliament votes to block declaration
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The South Korean National Assembly has decided to revoke the martial law that President Yoon Suk Yeol had announced. This move came after the president expressed his commitment to eliminate what he referred to as "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state groups."
Law enforcement confronted demonstrators outside the National Assembly as lawmakers and parliamentary employees entered the building around 1 am local time for an early morning session aimed at rejecting controversial proposals. These proposals encompassed a prohibition on political activities and strikes.
In his previous statement, the president didn’t mention any particular threat from North Korea, which is under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. Instead, he concentrated on criticizing his political rivals at home, claiming they were responsible for causing a crisis in the country.
"I am imposing martial law to safeguard the democratic Republic of Korea against the dangers posed by North Korean communist forces. This action aims to eliminate the shameful pro-North Korean groups that are disrupting the freedom and well-being of our citizens, as well as to uphold our constitutional order," he stated.
In recent months, Mr. Yoon’s approval ratings have declined as he continues to reject requests for independent investigations into controversies involving his wife and key officials. Meanwhile, his conservative party, the People Power Party, is at a standstill with the liberal opposition Democratic Party concerning the budget for next year.
It was still uncertain what exact actions would be implemented under the newly granted authority. Lee Jae Myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, mentioned that his party would attempt to overturn the decision, but he also voiced concerns that lawmakers could face arrest.
"Soldiers And Staff Create Barricades In Seoul"
Reuters has captured photos that allegedly depict members of the main opposition party, the Democratic Party, blocking a door to prevent military personnel from entering the National Assembly. Other pictures reveal armed soldiers moving towards the main parliament building.
Photos from the national parliament in Seoul show a significant military presence. This comes after 190 lawmakers voted to reverse the president’s announcement of martial law.
Shortly after the announcement, the speaker of the National Assembly issued an urgent message via his YouTube channel, requesting that all lawmakers convene at the National Assembly. He also urged military and law enforcement officials to stay composed and maintain their posts.
Angus Thompson wrote on December 3, 2024, at 4:44 PM.
Downing Street Urges Brits In South Korea To Check Travel Advice
British citizens in South Korea are advised to keep an eye on the guidance from the Foreign Office following the president's announcement of martial law, according to Downing Street.
When asked about the evolving situation in South Korea, a spokesperson for Number 10 commented, "The situation is changing rapidly, and as you might expect, we are keeping a close eye on what's happening in South Korea."
“We recommend that all British citizens keep an eye on the UK's travel guidance for any updates and adhere to the recommendations from local officials.”
On Wednesday, the Foreign Office revised its travel guidance, advising UK citizens to heed the instructions of local officials and steer clear of political protests.
"Live Coverage Of Seoul Protests"
Demonstrators are shouting near the main entrance of the National Assembly, where the opposition-led parliament held a morning session and voted to reverse the president's severe actions.
Angus Thompson, December 3, 2024, at 4:20 PM
Parliament Votes To Block Declaration
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, South Korea’s parliament voted against the president’s declaration of martial law. Lawmakers and parliamentary staff were allowed into the building around 1 am to carry out the vote.
The vote took place while large groups gathered outside the main entrance of the National Assembly, reacting to Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement.
Sure! Here's a rewritten version of the provided text: Angus Thompson from Reuters reported on December 3, 2024, at 4:06 PM.
Party Chair: Martial Law Decision Is 'Wrong'
It's not obvious how long the martial law will remain in effect. According to South Korean regulations, it can be revoked by a majority vote in the National Assembly, where the opposition Democratic Party currently holds a majority. Han Dong-hoon, the head of the ruling People Power Party, which is affiliated with the president, referred to the imposition of martial law as a "mistake" and promised to work with the public to put an end to it.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition who narrowly lost to Yoon in the presidential election of 2022, criticized Yoon’s recent announcement as “unlawful and against the constitution.” Since assuming office in 2022, Yoon — whose popularity has decreased in recent times — has faced challenges in advancing his policies due to a parliament dominated by the opposition. His party has found itself at a standstill with the liberal opposition regarding the budget proposal for the upcoming year.
The opposition has been trying to introduce motions to remove three prominent prosecutors, one of whom is the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Conservatives view this as a targeted effort in retaliation for their criminal probes into Lee, who is currently viewed as the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election according to opinion polls. Meanwhile, Yoon has been rejecting demands for independent investigations into scandals linked to his wife and senior officials, prompting swift and harsh criticism from his political opponents.
Complete Declaration Transcribed
The newly released declaration, marking the first in over thirty years, includes multiple bans on political actions, “fake news,” strikes, and various forms of labor unrest. It also cautions that those who break these rules will face arrest. Below is a translation of the military order provided by Reuters.
To safeguard liberal democracy against the risk posed by anti-state groups operating within South Korea and to ensure the safety of the citizens, the following declaration is made across the Republic of Korea, effective at 11:00 PM on December 3, 2024:
All forms of political engagement, such as the operations of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, associations, as well as rallies and protests, are forbidden.
2. Any actions that reject or try to undermine the liberal democratic system are not allowed. This includes spreading false information, manipulating public opinion, and engaging in deceptive propaganda.
3. All forms of media and publications fall under the authority of the Martial Law Command.
4. Protests, labor stoppages, and demonstrations that provoke social disorder are not allowed.
5. All healthcare workers, including student doctors who are currently on strike or have exited the medical profession, are required to resume their duties within 48 hours and carry out their responsibilities diligently. Anyone who does not comply will face penalties under Martial Law.
6. Regular, law-abiding citizens, not including those involved in anti-government or disruptive activities, will have measures in place to lessen any disruptions to their daily routines.
Anyone who breaks the rules stated above could be arrested, held, and searched without a warrant, following Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of South Korea (which grants special powers to the Martial Law Commander). Offenders will face penalties as outlined in Article 14 of the Martial Law Act.
Reuters, by Angus Thompson, December 3, 2024, 3:44 PM
Police Clash With Protesters Near National Assembly
Photos are surfacing showing confrontations between police and demonstrators outside the National Assembly in Seoul. This comes as large groups of people gather outside the nation’s parliament following President Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement of martial law.
Images from news agencies on the ground depict soldiers getting ready to enter the building amidst a quickly changing situation after the president's announcement late at night.
Wires - December 3, 2024, 3:38 PM
Police Block Gates To National Assembly In Seoul
Angus Thompson, December 3, 2024, at 3:30 PM
US Keeping A Close Eye On The Situation
The United States is keeping an eye on developments following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement of martial law late Tuesday.
According to Reuters, a spokesperson from the White House mentioned that the Biden administration has been in communication with the South Korean government and is keeping a close watch on the situation.
This is the first instance of martial law being imposed in the country since 1980. According to a report from the Yonhap news agency, the South Korean military announced that all parliamentary and political party activities would be prohibited, and that the martial law command would oversee media operations and publishing.
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"Opposition Warns: Guns And Knives Will Dominate"
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea's opposition party, has issued a warning that the nation is at risk of economic breakdown and potential military governance following the president's announcement of martial law.
The leader of the Democratic Party shared his thoughts during an online livestream, voicing concerns that lawmakers might face arrest if they are blocked from entering parliament.
"Tanks, armored vehicles, and troops armed with firearms and knives will dominate the nation," stated Lee Jae-myung.
"The economic situation in South Korea is headed for a complete breakdown. I urge my fellow citizens to join me at the National Assembly."
Angus Thompson, December 3, 2024, at 3:06 PM.
