Blocked parliament and clashes in Seoul: What is happening in South Korea after the declaration of"martial law"
Kyiv • UNN
Martial law has been imposed in South Korea to "destroy pro-North Korean forces." There are clashes between military personnel and protesters near the parliament, and the opposition calls the president's actions unconstitutional.
South Korean President Yoon Sok Yule announced the introduction of martial law in the country. According to him, he does this to "destroy pro-North Korean forces and maintain constitutional order." In Seoul, there have already been clashes between citizens and the military, who blocked the parliament building. UNN talks about the situation in South Korea.
Details
The leader of the ruling power of the People Party, Han Jong Hong, expressed his position, calling the introduction of a state of emergency a mistake and promised to lift it together with the people. At the same time, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jemen, stressed that martial law is unconstitutional and contrary to the interests of society. He called on deputies to gather in parliament, but the building has already been blocked.
People immediately gathered near the parliament. Military equipment and helicopters have also been spotted in Seoul.
The administration of US President Joe Biden is in contact with the South Korean government and is "closely monitoring the situation.
Journalists Yonhap report that now there are clashes between police and protesters under the walls of the local parliament. No one is allowed in the building of the country's legislative body.
What is mentioned in the text of the decree on Martial Law
The text states that under the new rules, any actions aimed at denying or trying to overthrow the liberal democratic system, as well as the spread of fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false propaganda are prohibited.
All mass media are subject to the control of the military command under martial law.
Strikes, rallies, and work stoppages that can lead to social chaos are also prohibited. All health workers, including interns who have participated in strikes or left the medical field, are required to return to their jobs within 48 hours and perform their duties in good faith. Those who violate this rule will be punished in accordance with the laws of martial law.
Ordinary citizens, in addition to anti-state forces, will be given minimal measures to limit the inconvenience in their daily lives. Violators of these rules can be arrested, detained and searched without a warrant in accordance with the provisions of the martial law, and will also be held accountable, including possible fines.
causes of the political crisis in South Korea
According to the BBC, in the parliamentary elections held in South Korea this spring, 192 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly were won by the Democratic Party.
As a result of the crushing defeat that the president's power of the People Party received in the elections, the leader of this party, Han Dong Hong, resigned and the country's Prime Minister, Han dok su, resigned.
The media wrote that the vote in the spring elections could be considered as an interim referendum on confidence in President Yoon Sok Yoli, who still has three years in power.
The BBC's Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon recalls that after the parliamentary elections lost by his party, the president was unable to pass the laws he needed, but he had to desperately veto any laws passed by the opposition.
This week, the Democratic Party reduced the budget proposed by the government and the president's party, but Yoon Sok El cannot veto it.
