South Korean lawmakers on Saturday voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration earlier this month. The National Assembly passed the motion in a 204-85 vote on Saturday. This decision has suspended Yoon’s presidential powers and duties, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming the role of acting president. The copies of the impeachment document have been delivered to Yoon and the Constitutional Court, which now has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon as president or restore his powers. If he is removed from office, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.
Недовольство населения: Южная Корея обвиняется в фашистской диктатуре после введения военного положения
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung hailed the impeachment vote as a victory for the people and a new era of democracy. This was the second attempt to impeach the president, with the first attempt failing due to a boycott by ruling party lawmakers. However, in the face of intensified public protests and plummeting approval ratings, some lawmakers from the ruling party changed their stance and voted for Yoon’s impeachment in the second vote.
Политический турбулентность: Южная Корея встряхнулась после введения военного положения
Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, which lasted only six hours, caused political turmoil in South Korea. This was the first time martial law had been declared in over four decades. The declaration halted diplomatic activities and rattled financial markets, leading to its swift overturning by unanimous parliamentary vote. Despite the brief duration of martial law, it sparked massive protests in the capital, Seoul, with thousands of people braving the cold to demand Yoon’s ouster and arrest. On the other hand, conservative supporters of the president held counterprotests, denouncing the impeachment attempts.
Кризис в правительстве: бывший министр обороны Южной Кореи покушался на самоубийство после ареста в связи с делом о военном положении
After declaring martial law, Yoon sent troops and police officers to the parliament in an attempt to impede the vote on his decree. However, they were eventually withdrawn after the parliament rejected the declaration. While no major violence occurred during this incident, it sparked widespread unrest and protests. Yoon has been banned from leaving South Korea, and law enforcement authorities are investigating allegations of rebellion, abuse of power, and other crimes related to the martial law declaration. His defense minister, police chief, and the head of Seoul’s metropolitan police agency have already been arrested, and other senior officials face investigations.
Правовые последствия: президент Южной Кореи может столкнуться с обвинениями в мятеже
Yoon enjoys presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, but this does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. Consequently, he could be investigated, detained, arrested, or indicted for his role in the martial law decree. However, there is speculation that authorities may not forcefully detain him due to potential clashes with his presidential security service. The charges Yoon may face include rebellion, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. The ongoing investigations also involve other senior military and government officials implicated in the martial law case.
