New statement from South Korean leader Yoon on martial law situation

According to Yonhap, Yoon noted that he is waiting for cabinet members to convene in order to officially lift the martial law decree, which has been in effect for approximately 5 hours, and stated that he would end martial law immediately following the meeting.

Yoon also said that martial law troops have withdrawn from the National Assembly complex following the passage of a motion in the National Assembly demanding the termination of martial law.

OPPOSITION CLAIMS THE DECISION IS BEHIND THE PRESIDENT'S IMPEACHMENT MOTIONS

President Yoon, who declared "martial law" in the country by claiming that the opposition was involved in anti-state activities, had shared the assessment that "Martial law aims to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order of freedom."

In an emergency session at the National Assembly, a motion to lift the martial law decree was passed with the votes of 190 lawmakers. The Office of the Speaker of the South Korean National Assembly had reported that martial law became "null and void" following the vote.

The opposition claims that there is no war or crisis environment in the country, and that the impeachment motions against Yoon, who faces corruption allegations, were influential in this decision.

According to Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, the President can declare martial law in cases of "war, armed conflict, national emergency, or as required by public safety and order."

In South Korean history, the last "martial law" decree was implemented for 440 days between 1979-1981 following a military coup, and the decision was again lifted by the military.

Today's "martial law" decision in South Korea marks the 13th declaration of martial law in the country's history.

News Source: 12punto