Image Source : CTV News
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law, suspending parliament in a move that has been met with strong opposition from the opposition leader and even members of his own party . The president’s decision was announced in a televised address, where he claimed that the measure was necessary to protect the country from “communist forces” and to maintain public order .
However, the opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, has rejected the move, stating that it is an attempt to consolidate power and undermine democracy. Lee has called on citizens to gather at the National Assembly to protest the decision . The president’s own party has also expressed concerns about the move, with some members questioning its constitutionality.
The declaration of emergency martial law grants the military sweeping powers to arrest, detain, and seize property, as well as to restrict freedom of speech and assembly . The move has sparked fears of a return to authoritarian rule in South Korea, which has a history of military dictatorship.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many expressing concern about the implications of the president’s decision for democracy and human rights in South Korea. The situation remains fluid, with protests and demonstrations expected to continue in the coming days.
