Clashes erupt at South Korean Parliament entrance amid martial law

Clashes broke out between civilians and law enforcement agencies at the entrance to South Korea's National Assembly as opposition representatives attempted to enter Parliament for a crucial voting procedure.

The confrontations escalated when MPs from opposition parties sought to bypass security measures and participate in the vote, which could potentially lead to the lifting of martial law under the constitution, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian sources.

In response, law enforcement, acting under a decree from President Yoon Suk Yeol, enforced a strict "closed doors" policy to block access.

In an attempt to gain entry, opposition MPs were seen scaling the parliamentary fence, aiming to vote in favor of a motion to impeach the president.

Following the violent clashes at the National Assembly, South Korea's Martial Law Commander, General Park Ahn-soo, announced sweeping measures to tighten control over the country's media landscape. The decision to impose control over all media outlets comes as part of efforts to suppress dissent and maintain the stability of the martial law declared by President Yoon Seok Yeol.

Additionally, General Park ordered the suspension of Parliament's operations and the suspension of political parties’ activities, further consolidating power under the martial law decree.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and obstructing government functions with anti-state activities.

In a televised address, Yoon vowed to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces" and uphold the constitutional democratic order. However, the full implications of this move for the country’s governance and democratic processes remain unclear.

By Vafa Guliyeva