South Korean Parliament Votes Unanimously To Lift Martial Law

SEOUL, Dec 4 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea’s National Assembly voted Wednesday to demand President Yoon Suk Yeol lift emergency martial law, Yonhap news agency reported.

Under the Constitution, martial law must be lifted when a parliamentary majority demands it.

Of the 300 members of parliament, 190 were present and all 190 voted in favour of a motion demanding the lifting of martial law.

With the motion's passage, the martial law declaration is void, according to the parliamentary speaker's office.

In a surprise late-night TV address, Yoon declared emergency martial law Tuesday, accusing the nation's opposition of paralysing the government with "anti-state activities plotting rebellion."

Yoon said the decision to declare martial law was aimed at "rebuilding and safeguarding" the nation, which he described as facing significant challenges.

Such a declaration would allow for restrictions on certain freedoms, including those related to the press, publication, assembly and the powers of the government or courts.

Martial law, however, can be lifted if a majority of the National Assembly (NA) demands its termination.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP