Former South Korean Defense Minister Arrested Over Martial Law

(CLO) South Korean prosecutors arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, according to South Korean media reports.

Kim, who submitted his resignation on Wednesday, was considered a central figure in the brief declaration of martial law on Tuesday. A senior military official and Yoon's impeachment documents indicate that Kim made the proposal.

President Yoon narrowly avoided an impeachment vote in the South Korean National Assembly last Saturday when the event was postponed by lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) unexpectedly leaving the meeting, but his party leader said the South Korean president would eventually have to resign.

Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Photo: Reuters

The prosecution's special investigation team questioned Mr. Kim, who voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday.

At the special investigation headquarters, the prosecution urgently arrested Kim and confiscated his phone, accusing the 65-year-old former Defense Minister of inciting violence to overthrow the national government, abusing his power, and obstructing official duties.

Earlier, three minority opposition parties filed complaints with the prosecutor's office against Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su, accusing them of treason.

Yonhap reported that Kim is facing a travel ban while prosecutors investigate. National police are also investigating treason charges against Yoon and other senior ministers. The maximum penalty for this crime can be life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Yoon shocked the nation on Tuesday night when he granted the military full emergency powers to eliminate what he called "anti-state forces" by storming the South Korean National Assembly building. He revoked the order six hours later, after the South Korean National Assembly, defying military and police obstruction, voted unanimously against the decree.

Yoon's declaration of martial law has plunged South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and a key military ally of the United States, into its biggest political crisis in decades.

Huy Hoang (according to Yonhap, Reuters, Korea Herald)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuu-bo-truong-quoc-phong-han-quoc-bi-bat-vi-toi-noi-loan-post324611.html