In a historic move, South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law decree issued on December 3.
The National Assembly on Saturday passed the motion with a significant majority of 204-85, marking a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape.
The impeachment motion alleged that Yoon “committed rebellion that hurts peace in the Republic of Korea by staging a series of riots.”
This move comes after Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, which lasted only six hours but caused massive political turmoil, halted diplomatic activities, and rattled financial markets.
As a result of the impeachment, Yoon’s presidential powers and duties will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will take over as Acting Prime Minister.
The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon as president or restore his powers. If he’s thrown out of office, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.
Yoon has been banned from leaving South Korea, and law enforcement authorities are investigating whether he and others involved in the martial law declaration committed rebellion, abuse of power, and other crimes. If convicted, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The impeachment has sparked mixed reactions, with tens of thousands of people protesting against Yoon’s actions and calling for his ouster and arrest.
On the other hand, smaller groups of Yoon’s conservative supporters have been rallying in Seoul, denouncing attempts to impeach the president.
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