Published on 03/12/2024 21:13
Reading time: 1min – video: 2min
South Korea: President declares martial law
South Korea: President declares martial law
(France 2)
The president of South Korea declared martial law on Tuesday, December 3, to, he said, protect the country from North Korean communist forces. The decision was challenged by a vote of the National Assembly. The opposition called on the population to come together to defend democracy.
MPs prevented from entering Parliament, blocked by the army: the incongruous image was broadcast and commented on continuously by Korean television on Tuesday, December 3. Crowded scenes took place outside South Korea's National Assembly after conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol decided to impose martial law in the afternoon. “To defend the Republic of Korea from the communist forces of North Korea”he said.
If the president mentions the threat of North Korea, he mainly targets its opposition. The Democratic Party, which holds the majority in Parliament, is thwarting its budget bill. With martial law, all political activities and demonstrations become prohibited. The Assembly officially no longer has the right to meet. The doors were also sealed.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest against the president. Several dozen parliamentarians managed to enter the chamber and voted unanimously to lift martial law.
In the evening, the situation remained very confused. If some soldiers have left the scene, the General Staff affirms that it intends to enforce martial law until it is abolished by the president.
Watch the full report in the video above
