On Friday, the Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his declaration of martial law in December, which caused nationwide chaos. Yoon was not present during the verdict announcement. The court determined that Yoon’s martial law declaration violated the constitution, did not follow proper procedures, and interfered with the judiciary’s independence. Additionally, Yoon was found to have breached his duty as commander-in-chief by mobilizing troops.

The court’s decision came more than three months after the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon. The ruling party, Yoon’s People Power Party, accepted the court’s verdict and issued an apology to the public. Both Yoon supporters and pro-impeachment demonstrators had gathered outside the court prior to the announcement, with police on high alert.

Yoon was arrested in January for his decision to declare martial law and send troops to parliament, leading to political turmoil. The opposition-led parliament impeached Yoon in December, and he evaded arrest for two weeks at his presidential compound. He later defended his actions, stating that martial law was necessary due to an existential crisis. In March, a Seoul court canceled Yoon’s arrest warrant, citing the timing of his indictment and concerns about the legality of the investigation. Freedom from prison followed.

South Korea must now elect a new president within the next 60 days, while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serves as acting president. Yoon also faces a parallel criminal trial over insurrection charges related

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-korean-court-upholds-impeachment-of-yoon-suk-yeol/a-72133609?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf