Prosecution arrests ex-defense minister of South Korea
The former defense minister of the Republic of Korea, Kim Yong-hyun (photo: Getty Images)
The Prosecutor's Office has arrested former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The procedure was carried out as part of an investigation into a potential treason case related to the declaration of martial law by the country's president, reports the Yonhap news agency.
A special investigation team from the Prosecutor's Office questioned Kim, who voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday (16:30 GMT on Saturday). He faces a potential ban on entering the country during the investigation.
High-ranking military officials and opposition members who filed impeachment documents against President Yoon claimed that it was Kim who suggested the president declare martial law in the country.
Earlier, three opposition parties filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office against President Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su, accusing them of treason.
The National Police are also investigating accusations of treason against Yoon and other ministers.
Martial law in South Korea
On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law in the country. The decision was motivated by a desire to root out anti-state forces and political opponents obstructing his agenda.
However, Yoon revoked the order six hours later after the parliament and government failed to support the decree, despite the presence of military and police barricades in Seoul.
On December 4, South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned.
On Saturday, December 7, the parliament failed to pass an impeachment motion against the president. The next vote on the issue is scheduled for December 11.
For more details on the reasons behind the martial law in South Korea and its consequences, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
