South Korean police are considering imposing a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate possible rebellion charges over the declaration of martial law by the president for a brief period last week.
Yoon’s decree of martial law, which brought the South Korean army on the streets of Seoul, is plunging the country into a political turmoil. An impeachment motion was tabled in the parliament by the opposition led coalition but it failed as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a floor vote.
The opposition led coalition has vowed to submit another impeachment motion against President Yoon this week. According to Yonhap news agency, police are considering to ban Yoon from traveling abroad so that he doesn’t leave the country while an investigation of rebellion is underway.
The main opposition Democratic Party called Yoon’s martial law imposition “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup.” It has filed complaints with police against nine people, including Yoon and the former defense minister, over the alleged rebellion.
As per the South Korean law, the president enjoys immunity from prosecution until he is in office though it does not extend to cases of rebellion or treason.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who resigned last week after the martial law chaos, was arrested by South Korean prosecutors on Sunday. It was alleged that it was Kim who recommended President Yoon to impose martial law in the country.
The Defense Ministry said it has separately suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement in imposing martial law. Earlier, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration.
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