Thousands of people gathered this day in front of the National Assembly of South Korea, to protest against the declaration of martial law by the country’s president, Yoon Suk-yeol.
Meanwhile, South Korean troops were trying to take the headquarters of the legislative branch under this emergency measure.
The rally took place in front of the Assembly, surrounded by a large police force and without any notable incidents for the moment, shortly after Yoon proclaimed martial law and the military command announced the ban on all political activity. including demonstrations or protests.
LEE: South Korean president declares state of emergency
What is happening in South Korea?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a “state of emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of controlling Parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyze the government with anti-state activities.
Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” The president made the announcement during a televised briefing, vowing to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” It was not immediately clear how these measures would affect the country’s governance and democracy. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.”
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Yoon’s conservative People Power Party is in a stalemate with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. He has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and senior officials, receiving quick and strong rebukes from his political rivals.
*With information from EFE and AP.
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