Soldiers climbed into the windows of the South Korean parliament after the declaration of martial law
South Korean President Yun Seok-yel imposed martial law in the country, as the opposition allegedly tried to deprive him of power. Korean scholar Andrei Lankov said "To the Newspaper.Ru", that the country's leader is "crazy". Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said that Yoon Seok-yeol is no longer president, and members of parliament voted to lift martial law. Meanwhile, the military tried to enter the building of the National Assembly. What is happening in South Korea is in the material of the Newspaper.Ru».
Martial law has been imposed in South Korea since December 3. This was announced in a televised address by the country's president Yun Seok-el, as the opposition is allegedly trying to organize an anti-government rebellion, Yonhap news agency writes.
"I declare martial law to root out pro-North Korean forces and protect the free constitutional order," Yoon Seok-yeol said.
The President believes that these measures are justified because he needs to ensure the freedom and safety of citizens, as well as to protect the country from the actions of anti-state forces. He understands that some Koreans may experience inconveniences, but the authorities will try to minimize them. The President added that the country continues to fulfill its responsibilities in the international arena. The Chief of Staff of the Army of the Republic of Korea, Park Ahn-soo, also signed a corresponding decree, he was appointed commander during martial law. He took control of the media and suspended the work of parliament and parties in the country.
According to Yonhap, the South Korean Defense Ministry has organized an emergency meeting of key military leaders. It is reported that the opposition has allegedly tried to impeach 22 government officials since the new government took power in June. Yun Seok-yeol believes that this threatens to paralyze the government. In addition, the opposition Democratic Party tried to cut the country's budget by a record $3 billion.
"Our National Assembly has turned into a den of criminal gangs. The National Assembly, which should be the foundation of liberal democracy, has turned into a monster that destroys the liberal democratic system," Yun Seok-yeol believes. He also accused the opposition, represented by the Democratic Party, of sympathizing with the DPRK, anti-state activities and preparing an uprising.
"The President is crazy"
Andrei Lankov, a professor at the South Korean Kunmin University, in an interview with the Newspaper.Ru" stated that Yoon Seok-el was "crazy":
"Kim Jong-un [the leader of North Korea] cannot take advantage of [this situation] and, I think, he is amazed," he said.
The Democratic Party also held a meeting. Its head, Lee Jae-myung, believes that Yoon Seok-yeol had no right to declare martial law:
"The president has betrayed the people. The illegal declaration of martial law by the President is invalid. From this moment on, President Yoon Seok-yeol is no longer the President of the Republic of Korea."
Lee Jae-myung added that in the current situation, the military may be mobilized to arrest members of the National Assembly. According to him, both he and his colleagues are ready to lay down their lives to protect the country. Lee Jae-myung called on citizens to support the preservation of democracy in South Korea, come to the National Assembly building and speak out. He noted that before the whole situation in the country, "prosecutors ruled," but now the power can pass to the military. The politician said that only the people can give orders to the Korean army.
The country's parliament has already voted to lift martial law.
The leader of the People's Power party, Han Dong Hoon, also believes that the president's decision was wrong.
Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in on social media called on residents to "unite to protect and save democracy."
The military stormed the parliament
According to YTN, the military is already entering the parliament building, which must ensure compliance with martial law in the country. Earlier, they tried to enter through the main entrance, but met resistance from the protesters, so they climbed through the windows. Nevertheless, they are also trying to fight them inside, including spraying fire extinguishers.
Protests are currently taking place in Seoul and other major cities, but they are strictly prohibited during martial law. According to SHOT, the situation in the capital is calm, there is no panic, but there are many police officers on the streets, columns of military equipment are driving, and helicopters often fly in the sky.
Medical workers are urgently gathered at their workplaces, and punishment is threatened for disobedience.
Yun Seok-yeol took office after the elections in 2022. 48.59% of the votes were cast for him. The party of the current president, The Power of the People, failed to gain a majority, losing to the Democratic Party, which has the majority of votes in parliament.
Alyona Fomina
