Opposition reacts and votes to overturn martial law imposed by Yoon Suk-yeol

This Tuesday (3/12), the president of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, announced the imposition of martial law in the country. According to him, the measure is necessary to protect the territory from possible actions by North Korea's allies. However, the decision generated a strong reaction from the opposition, which accuses the government of taking advantage of the conflict with Pyongyang to consolidate control over the National Assembly and restrict democratic rights.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung classified the decision as unconstitutional and called on all political parties to go to the Assembly to protest the measure. Despite closing access to the National Assembly, parliamentarians managed to enter the plenary and hold an emergency session. During the meeting, they declared the invalidity of martial law. Even members of Yoon's own party criticized the decision, demonstrating internal divisions within the government.

Political restrictions and censorship increase tensions

The law imposed by Suk-yeol replaces normal legislation with military laws, restricting freedom of the press, the functioning of the National Assembly and limiting civil rights. Political demonstrations have been banned, and several news sites are experiencing instability, raising suspicions of possible censorship.

Even with the ban, protesters positioned themselves in front of the legislative headquarters to demand the end of the law and the arrest of the president. The armed forces were sent to disperse the protests, but after the vote that overturned the law, the population celebrated.

Embed from Getty Images
_{Protesters protesting against martial law (Photo: Reproduction/Anthony Wallace/Getty Images Embed)}

Government weakened after legislative defeat

The ruling party's recent defeat in the legislative elections deepened Yoon's political weakening. His party won just over 100 seats, while the Democratic Party won more than 170, consolidating itself as the largest force within the National Assembly.

Featured photo: President Yoon Suk-yeol (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@Kilimgazetesi)