SEOUL, December 5. /TASS/. The Prosecutor General’s Office of South Korea will look into complaints accusing President Yoon Suk Yeol of treason for declaring martial law in the country, Yonhap reported.
"The investigation will be carried out in accordance with the law," Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung told reporters.
Previously, the news agency reported citing its sources that the prosecutor general had instructed subordinates to begin the investigation.
On Wednesday, a group of opposition deputies filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office accusing President Yoon Suk Yeol, ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Head of the General Staff Park An-su of crimes against the state. On Thursday, the Prosecutor General barred Kim Yong-hyun from leaving the country.
Another group of lawmakers filed a similar complaint to the police, which also initiated an investigation against the president. The news agency points out that the prosecution did not forward the complaint and will carry out an independent investigation. Under South Korean law, the president may be criminally prosecuted for mutiny and high treason.
On December 3, the president of South Korea unexpectedly declared martial law, only to have it cancelled about six hours later. He said he made the decision to combat "pro-DPRK forces" and attempts by the opposition to obstruct the executive branch’s power. On December 4, six opposition parties initiated impeachment proceedings, claiming that Yoon Suk Yeol violated the constitution, because there were no grounds for declaring martial law. The vote on impeachment is expected to take place on December 7. If impeached, the president’s powers will be suspended, but the final decision on his removal from office has to be made by the Constitutional Court.