South Korean president barred from foreign travel amid martial law case
The president has been barred from leaving South Korea at the request of police, prosecutors and an anti-corruption agency. Fresh protests calling for his impeachment have taken place in Seoul.
Monday 9 December 2024 09:01, UK
South Korea's president has been banned from travelling overseas as authorities investigate his short-lived period of martial law last week.
There was political chaos and soldiers on the streets of the capital last Tuesday when Yoon Suk Yeol made the surprise announcement.
The state of emergency only lasted about six hours as parliament voted to block the decree and people took to the streets in protest.
The president later apologised and survived an impeachment vote after members of his party boycotted the vote.
Justice ministry official Bae Sang-up revealed on Monday that he has been barred from leaving South Korea at the request of police, prosecutors and an anti-corruption agency.
A sitting president has immunity from prosecution while in office but it does not cover allegations of treason or rebellion.
It means he could technically be arrested by police, however many observers currently think that is unlikely.
The opposition Democratic Party called the martial law order "unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup" and has filed complaints against at least nine people, including the president and ex-defence minister Kim Yong Hyun.
Prosecutors detained Mr Kim on Sunday, making him the first person held over the case. It has been claimed he was the one who advised the president to declare martial law.
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Three senior military commanders were also suspended last week over alleged involvement in the episode.
The president originally said he was putting the military in charge to defend the constitutional order and "eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces".
But when apologising on Saturday, he said it was "driven by desperation" and said he was "truly sorry" to those who had been "surprised".
Mr Yoon could still be ousted as opposition parties have pledged to submit a new impeachment motion against him this week.