Despite the ban on parliamentary activities introduced by General Park An Su MPs gathered for a special session of the National Assembly due to the declaration of martial law by the president of South Korea.
At 1:16 local time (16:16 in Poland – ed.), politicians voted to reject the decision made by Jun Suk Jeol. According to the constitution, martial law it must be abolished when the parliamentary majority demands it.
There were 190 parliamentarians in the National Assembly at the time of the vote everyone voted for the motion to abolish martial law. The speaker of parliament announced that the president's decision was invalid from that moment on.
Against the president even representatives of the pro-presidential party voted. As its leader Han Dong Hun said, the use of the army and police should be treated as illegal.
Martial law in South Korea. Army storming the parliament premises
As journalists of the South Korean Yonhap agency reported, at 11:46 p.m. they appeared over the National Assembly premises three helicopters with South Korean army soldiers on board. Their task was to get into the parliament building and block further work.
As previously reported all entrances have been blocked. The military installed makeshift blockades in front of the parliament building.
According to unconfirmed information, the military appeared on the premises of the parliament, but did not enter the National Assembly building.
According to a decree issued by General Park An Su, who was appointed by the president to be in charge of martial law, the operation of parliament and political parties is prohibited.
– All political activities, including those related to the National Assembly, regional assemblies, political parties, the creation of political organizations, rallies and protests, are prohibited – said the general.