11.03.2025 13:02
In South Korea, lawmakers from opposition parties have started a hunger strike demanding the definitive removal of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from the presidency following the declaration of martial law. Some lawmakers have also shaved their heads.
The opposition in South Korea has increased pressure on the Constitutional Court, which will make the final decision regarding the impeachment process initiated against Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from the presidency following the declaration of martial law and released after 52 days of detention.
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT HAVE STARTED A HUNGER STRIKE
A group of lawmakers from parties including the main opposition Democratic Party, the Reorganization Party, and the Progressive Party announced today in a joint statement that they have started a hunger strike demanding Yoon's definitive removal from office.
"YEOL SHOULD RETURN TO PRISON"
In a statement that also reacted to Yoon's release, it was said, "Yoon Suk Yeol should return to prison. Yoon, the brain behind the uprising, must be arrested immediately." The statement called for the resignation of Chief Prosecutor Shim Woo-jung, who released Yoon, and urged the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to cease its activities on the grounds that it obstructed Yoon's impeachment.
"WE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN ORGANIZED ACTIONS"
The spokesperson of the ruling People Power Party, Kweon Seong-dong, stated that they would not engage in any organized actions against the opposition's reactions. Kweon said, "If it is a special issue, we may engage in collective action. We will also hold various meetings to express our position. However, unlike the Democratic Party, we will not resort to street rallies or hunger strikes to pressure the Constitutional Court."
"ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE"
South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok reminded that the Constitutional Court will soon make its final decision regarding the impeachment process against Yoon and called on Yoon's supporters and the opposition to respect the decision. Choi emphasized that they would show "zero tolerance" for any acts of violence staged in response to the decision, stating, "The government will guarantee the right to hold legal and peaceful rallies. However, any illegal or violent demonstrations or objections to public authority will be dealt with in accordance with the law without exception."
AN IMPEACHMENT PROCESS HAD BEEN INITIATED AGAINST HIM
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, claiming that the opposition was engaged in activities against the state, which led to the National Assembly initiating an impeachment process against him. Yoon, whose powers were suspended and who was arrested and taken for questioning on January 15, became the first South Korean president to be arrested before the completion of the impeachment process against him. Yoon claimed that the investigation against him was "illegal" and demanded the cancellation of the arrest warrant on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.
HE HAD BEEN RELEASED
Yoon, whose appeal against his detention at the Seoul Central District Court was accepted last week, regained his freedom after 52 days when the prosecution did not appeal the decision and ordered Yoon's release. The South Korean Constitutional Court is expected to make its final decision this week on whether Yoon will be removed from office.