South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night in an effort to defend the country against threats from North Korea and to combat anti-state forces that have been undermining democracy.
The decision comes as the National Assembly has initiated 22 impeachment motions against government officials, paralyzing the judiciary and executive branch. The opposition Democratic Party has also cut significant funding for disaster preparedness, child care support, and military officer treatment, sparking widespread criticism.
President Yoon appealed to citizens, saying that the situation is “paralyzing the state” and that he must take action to restore order. He vowed to rebuild and defend the country, eradicating anti-state forces that have been committed atrocities and undermining democracy.
The declaration of martial law is intended to ensure the freedom and safety of the people and to protect the country’s constitutional order. President Yoon assured citizens that the measures will be minimally invasive and will not change the country’s foreign policy stance.
The move has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the potential for human rights abuses. As the situation continues to unfold, citizens are being urged to remain calm and trust in the president’s leadership.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/world/asia/president-yoon-speech-martial-law.html