South Korean investigators have requested prosecutors to indict the detained President over his brief imposition of martial law last month. The President is accused of rebellion, abuse of power, and obstruction of parliament. Defending his actions, the President stated that the martial law decree was intended to alert the public about the opposition-controlled National Assembly's perceived threat. He emphasized that the martial law was lifted promptly after the assembly rejected his decree.
The President was impeached and suspended by the assembly on December 14. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.
The President's defense minister during the martial law enforcement supported his argument, claiming that the President instructed him to make specific changes to the decree. The defense minister also stated that all responsibility for the martial law imposition rests with him.
The President's declaration of martial law, the first in over 40 years in South Korea, lasted only six hours. The opposition and investigative authorities allege that the President and his associates attempted to seal the assembly and detain politicians, which the President denies.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials accused the President of rebellion, abuse of power, and obstructing parliament's rights. The President, currently in detention, has refused to cooperate with the investigation, arguing that it is illegal.
The President's defense team criticized the investigation office for pressuring him and violating his human rights. The President has denied ordering the military to remove lawmakers from the assembly.
The martial law decree and its aftermath have caused significant political turmoil and impacted South Korea's international standing. The ongoing conflict between the President and the opposition has deepened the country's internal divisions.
