South Korean president decides to lift martial law as clashes erupt in Seoul

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to revoke the decree imposing martial law during an upcoming Cabinet meeting.

"I have withdrawn the military personnel involved in enforcing martial law," the president stated, outlining his intention to lift the special regime during a meeting with government officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country on the evening of December 3, justifying the decision as necessary to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces." However, journalists have linked this move to attempts to initiate impeachment proceedings against the South Korean leader.

In the wake of this declaration, clashes erupted between citizens and law enforcement officers in central Seoul. Meanwhile, the country's parliament convened a session and voted to annul the martial law decree. The resolution was supported by all 190 lawmakers present at the meeting, while another 110 lawmakers abstained from participating in the discussion.

Subsequently, Cho Kuk, the leader of the opposition "Restore Korea" party, warned the South Korean president against defying the parliamentary decision. He stated that any refusal by Yoon Suk Yeol to lift martial law would be considered a criminal act.

On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathising 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. 

Following the declaration of the law, hundreds of South Koreans came to the National Assembly building complex in Seoul to express opposition to the imposition of martial law.

The entrance to the complex was closed by the police. Some protesters were shouting a demand to arrest the president. Roads were blocked near the parliamentary complex, which includes several buildings.

By Khagan Isayev