South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said that the country’s president, after failing to impose martial law, may try to do it again or even provoke the DPRK in order to lead the situation on the border to military clashes, the Yonhap agency reports.
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The leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, said this while speaking at a rally “Calling for the Resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol and Promoting Impeachment” organized by the Democrats and other opposition parties.
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“President Yun Seok-yeol tried unsuccessfully to impose martial law and will try again, but there is an even greater danger. There is a serious threat that (Yoon Seok-yeol) could provoke North Korea by disturbing the stability of the armistice line and lead (the situation) to armed conflict… If martial law to maintain power is not enough, then they will be willing to put people’s lives on the line,” Lee Jae-myung said.
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He called on the people for vigilance and unity, thanked those who came out to parliament at night and helped the deputies get inside.
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On Wednesday night, the President of South Korea announced the introduction of martial law “to purge pro-North Korean forces and maintain the liberal constitutional order.” According to him, attempts to carry out impeachment proceedings against him threaten to paralyze power.
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The military was sent to the country’s parliament with orders to block the passage of deputies, but the South Korean parliament was still able to meet and voted to lift martial law. 190 out of 300 deputies were present at the meeting, and they all voted unanimously.
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According to the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, the president is obliged to lift martial law in the country after parliament voted by a majority against its imposition. More than three hours after the vote, the president promised to lift martial law. Soon the government of the country advocated the abolition of martial law.
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The martial law command that had been created in the armed forces was dissolved. The military men summoned to parliament were also recalled.
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The country’s opposition has announced plans to file coup charges against President Yoon Seok-yeol, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior and Security Minister Lee Sang-min, as well as other key players in the situation from among the military and police. In addition, opposition parties said they would push for the president’s impeachment. To pass impeachment, 200 out of 300 votes in parliament are required, in this regard, the opposition would need the support of at least 18 deputies from the ruling party.
