Photo: JUNG YEON-JE / AFP / Getty Images
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law has been blocked by lawmakers. The president had stated that the move was necessary to protect the country from North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements. However, both the ruling party and the opposition vowed to obstruct the declaration, leading to the lawmakers' vote to block the move.
Protests have been taking place outside parliament, with chants of “no to martial law” heard amidst the sound of police sirens. The president's People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party have been locked in a dispute over next year's budget bill.
Martial law, which means rule by military authorities in a time of emergency, can lead to the suspension of normal civil rights. The president's move has led to chaotic scenes both inside and outside South Korea's parliament. There have been reports of clashes between police and protesters outside the main parliament, with military personnel seen advancing on the entrance.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik submitted a resolution requesting the lifting of martial law around 01:00 local time. The resolution was passed with 190 of 300 members of the ruling and opposition parties in attendance, with all present in favor.
Not long after the vote, Yoon formally lifted the martial law declaration.