South Korea's president faces impeachment after martial law
The opposition in South Korea has filed a motion for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol following the declaration of martial law. The vote could occur as early as Thursday.
Six opposition parties in South Korea have filed a motion for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The Yonhap agency reports that the vote on the motion might take place as early as Thursday.
To initiate the impeachment procedure, the agreement of two-thirds of the deputies is required, which means at least 200 out of 300 members of the house, and then at least six out of nine judges of the Constitutional Court. The opposition holds 192 seats, meaning they need the support of some deputies from the ruling party.
President Yoon Suk-yeol on Monday declared martial law, which was met with criticism, even from his own party - the People Power Party. In a vote at the plenary session of parliament, convened three hours after the imposition of martial law, 18 deputies from this party supported a resolution calling for the lifting of martial law.
The president, early Tuesday morning GMT, withdrew the martial law following the parliament's decision.
Controversies over martial law
The president's office stated that the declaration of martial law was consistent with the constitution; however, observers indicate that the president did not meet all legal requirements. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-sik, was blocked by the police when he tried to enter the parliament, forcing him to jump over a fence.
According to reports, soldiers who entered the parliament building were equipped with live ammunition and submachine guns, and snipers were present. The opposition claims these actions were unjustified and posed a threat to democracy in the country.
