South Korean police have launched an investigation into President Yoon Seok-yeol on charges of treason related to the imposition of martial law. About this informs Yonhap.
The investigation was initiated after two complaints were filed by the opposition Korean Restoration Party and a group of 59 activists. The complaints allege treason not only against the president, but also against former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn-soo and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. All of them are suspected of involvement in the declaration of martial law.
The Prosecutor’s Office and the Office for the Investigation of High-Level Corruption also received complaints about Yoon Seok-yeol’s actions. These bodies are now deciding whether to start their own investigations or hand over the case to the police.
Martial law declared by the president was justified by the need to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and maintain constitutional order.” As part of this decision, political activity, protest actions were banned, and all mass media were under the control of the authorities. In addition, the parliament building was blocked by the military.
However, South Korea’s parliament later voted to lift martial law, a key moment in the political crisis.
