South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would lift the ’emergency martial law’ he imposed on Tuesday, after South Korea’s National Assembly voted early Wednesday morning to lift the decree he’d imposed, in which he declared the opposition party was plotting a rebellion against the government.
The official decree from Yoon, sent to reporters, had said that “all media and publications are subject to the control of martial law command.” Gen. Park An-su, South Korea’s Army Chief of Staff had banned all political activities after Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night, which included demonstrations and political party activities. The decree had warned that “fake news, public opinion manipulation and false propaganda are prohibited,” warning that violators could be arrested without a warrant.
Yoon charged his opponents with anti-state activities against the government, saying in a televised speech: “I declare martial law in order to eradicate the shameless pro-North Korea anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people and to protect the free constitutional order.”
The BBC later reported that during a session at 1 a.m. local time the resolution was passed with 190 of 300 members of the ruling and opposition parties in attendance, with all present in the plenary session voting to demand Yoon lift martial law. The parliamentary speaker’s office said the vote makes the Yoon martial law declaration void, according to the country’s constitution. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.” Woo called for police and military personnel to withdraw from the Assembly’s grounds.
As of Wednesday, Yoon said his government has withdrawn military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as “soon as members arrive.” Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly’s grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party (which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament) said the party’s lawmakers will remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.
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