In South Korea, the government has imposed martial law citing the deteriorating security situation in the country. This step has been taken amid increasing internal tension, protests and instability in the border areas. Under martial law, most of the powers of civil administration have been handed over to military authorities. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that this step is necessary to protect North Korea from communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements.
control over civil rights
Civil liberties such as protests and public meetings are restricted due to martial law in South Korea. Besides, strict monitoring is also being maintained on the media. The army has been given special powers to maintain law and order during martial law. Military officers have the authority to make arrests, impose curfews and control traffic in specific areas. According to Yonhap news agency, lawmakers are not being allowed to reach the National Assembly complex in Seoul. They have been stopped.
However, martial law has been imposed 16 times since the establishment of the Republic of Korea. Martial law was last declared in 1980.
Why was there a need for martial law?
Earlier this year, the National Assembly elections in South Korea gave a huge mandate to the opposition. In such a situation, President Yoon did not have much power and President Yoon was not successful in passing laws. Yun has been forced to veto the bills.
Not only this, the ratings have seen a steady decline due to the number of scandals involving President Yoon and his wife. Yun’s wife was also accused of stock manipulation and the opposition started demanding an investigation. According to AFP report, the imposition of martial law has been announced a month after the Democratic Party of Korea-led opposition demanded the impeachment of President Yoon over alleged abuse of power. The opposition said that the President wanted to avoid impeachment by imposing martial law.
Opposition expressed strong protest
According to the report of South Korea’s news agency ‘Yonhap’, South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has said that the declaration of martial law is unconstitutional. On the other hand, it is also being claimed that the head of the ruling People’s Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, has also called martial law wrong and has demanded to stop it.
What is the provision in the Constitution regarding martial law?
Article 77 of the Constitution of South Korea has a provision for declaration of martial law in the country. But rules have been set to implement it. Article 77 of the Constitution states that when it is necessary to meet any military exigency or to maintain public safety and order by mobilizing military forces in time of war, armed conflict or national emergency, the President may declare martial law as prescribed. Can do.
