South Korean prosecutors arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday (8) local time for his alleged involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of Martial Law on Tuesday (3). , Yonhap news agency reported.
Kim, who submitted his resignation on Wednesday, was considered a central figure in Tuesday’s brief declaration of martial law. A high-ranking military official and documents for Yoon’s impeachment by opposition members stated that Kim had proposed the measure to Yoon.
Yoon survived an impeachment vote in parliament on Saturday (7) sparked by the attempt to impose Martial Law, but the leader of his own party said the president would eventually have to resign.
The prosecutors’ special investigation team questioned Kim, who voluntarily reported to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor General’s office at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, according to the report. The office was not available for immediate comment.
Three minority opposition parties filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office against Yoon, Kim and Martial Law commander Park An-su, accusing them of treason.
Kim faces a travel ban while prosecutors investigate, Yonhap said.
National police are also investigating allegations of treason against Yoon and senior ministers.
Yoon shocked the nation on Tuesday night when he granted the army broad emergency powers to combat what he called “anti-state forces” and obstructionist political opponents. He revoked the order six hours later, after parliament disobeyed military and police security cordons to vote unanimously against the decree.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law has plunged South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. military ally, into its biggest political crisis in decades, threatening to destroy the country’s reputation as an example of democratic success.
This content was originally published in South Korea arrests former defense minister because of Martial Law, says state-owned company on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
