South Korea’s President declares emergency martial law

South Korea’s President has declared an emergency Martial Law in the country, accusing opposition of anti-state activities.President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday that he will rebuild a free and democratic country through the Martial Law.

“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency Martial Law,” Yoon said in a live televised address.

“This is an unavoidable measure to ensure the freedom and safety of the people and guarantee the sustainability of the nation against the unrest stirred by these subversive, anti-state elements.”

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling conservative People Power Party, said in a statement he would “oppose the declaration of Martial Law alongside the people”. “The President’s declaration of Martial Law is wrong,” he asserted.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party reportedly called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers following Yoon’s announcement. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agendas against an opposition-controlled parliament.Yoon’s People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill.

“The National Assembly has also completely cut budgets essential for national operations, drug crime prevention, and public safety, undermining the core functions of the state,” the president added. “This has left our citizens in a state of chaos, with the nation becoming a haven for drugs and public safety collapsing.

Yoon has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.

(Al-jazeera)

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