South Korea Parliament Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Declaration

South Korea’s National Assembly on Sunday (14 December) voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief declaration of martial law earlier this month.

The impeachment motion was passed with a 204-85 majority in the National Assembly.

According to a report by news agency AP, Yoon’s presidential powers will be suspended once the impeachment document is delivered to him and the Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.

Should he be dismissed, South Korea must hold a national election to elect his successor within 60 days.

Yoon, according to the news agency, was banned from leaving the country, as law enforcement authorities investigated whether he and others involved in the martial law declaration committed rebellion and abuse of power, among other crimes.

The report noted that Yoon could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment if found guilty.

While Yoon previously the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, this protection does not cover charges of rebellion or treason.

He could now be investigated, arrested, or indicted for the martial law decree.

Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and the head of Seoul’s metropolitan police agency have already been arrested over their roles in the case.

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