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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law last week, which drew widespread outrage and was shot down by lawmakers.
Kim Yong-hyun was arrested on charges of helping President Yoon with an insurrection through a short-lived martial law decree. (Reuters/File)
South Korea’s former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide at a detention facility, Yonhap news agency reported citing a correction official, after he was formally arrested on Wednesday on charges of helping President Yoon Suk Yeol stage an insurrection through his short-lived martial law declaration last week.
Following the unsuccessful attempt on his life, Kim is now being held in a protective cell and his health is currently stable, Shin Yong-hae, the head of the correctional centre, told lawmakers during a parliamentary hearing.
A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Seoul Central District Court after prosecutors accused Kim of engaging in “essential” activities in the “insurrection” and abusing his power to obstruct rights when martial law was in effect for six hours. President Yoon’s controversial declaration was rejected by the South Korean Parliament, including members of his own party.
Kim s the first person to be formally arrested over the events. “We considered the degree to which the charges are supported, the gravity of the crime and concerns he will destroy evidence,” the court said while issuing the warrant, which will embolden the insurrection charges against Yoon. The South Korean President, who survived an impeachment bid, has been booked as a suspect and banned from travelling overseas.
South Korea Police Chief Arrested In Martial Law Probe
South Korea’s police chief and the national police commissioner were arrested earlier on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into the failed martial law decree, according to authorities. Cho Ji-ho, the commissioner-general of the Korean National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were arrested without a warrant at around 3:50 am (local time) on insurrection charges.
These two top police officials are suspected of instructing police officers to cordon off the National Assembly compound to block lawmakers from entering parliament in a bid. Additionally, Cho has been accused of sending police to the National Election Commission to assist the military in carrying out orders under martial law.
The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) said on Wednesday that it plans to hold another parliament vote to impeach Yoon on Saturday, with some members of the president’s People Power Party (PPP) having spoken out in favour of such a motion. “The impeachment train has left the platform. There is going to be no way to stop it,” DP leader Lee Jae-myung said at the start of a party meeting.
The first impeachment vote last Saturday failed as most PPP members boycotted the session. Yoon stunned the nation and the international community on Tuesday night by suspending civilian rule and sending troops to parliament but was forced into a U-turn after lawmakers nixed his decree.
Yoon has apologised for imposing martial law, but has not addressed growing calls for him to step down, even from some members of his own party. A two-thirds majority of the opposition-controlled unicameral assembly is needed to pass the bill. The Constitutional Court then deliberates the case and decides whether to remove the president from office.
(with agency inputs)
- Location :
Seoul, South Korea
