South Korea: Opposition Leader Anticipates 'Fair' Ruling on Yoon's Impeachment
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Synopsis
On April 2, South Korean Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung expressed optimism that the Constitutional Court will issue a just verdict regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over a brief martial law declaration. The court's decision is awaited with great anticipation as it holds significant implications for the nation's democracy.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung anticipates a fair ruling from the court.
- The Constitutional Court is critical for maintaining democracy.
- The ruling will determine Yoon's political future.
- US and Chinese embassies issued safety warnings.
- Potential for large demonstrations in Seoul.
Seoul, April 2 (NationPress) The leader of the South Korean Opposition, Lee Jae-myung, expressed on Wednesday his anticipation that the Constitutional Court will issue a "fair" ruling regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, stemming from his brief declaration of martial law.
Lee, representing the primary Opposition Democratic Party, made this statement as the court prepares to determine whether to remove Yoon from his position or reinstate him on Friday.
"We, alongside the public, will await the Constitutional Court's decision with hope for a reasonable conclusion grounded in the principles and values of the Constitution, the constitutional responsibilities assigned by the populace, and a profound sense of historical duty," Lee remarked during a party gathering at a protest site in downtown Seoul.
He characterized the court as the "ultimate safeguard" of constitutional order, emphasizing its crucial role in upholding the nation's democracy, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"How could there not be decisive action to maintain constitutional order in response to attempts that sought to undermine the constitutional framework and the Constitution itself, which were, in fact, initiated?" he stated.
"I trust that the court will honor the values of the Republic of Korea as a democratic nation and render a just verdict."
Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in Seoul urged American citizens in the country to steer clear of large gatherings or protests in anticipation of the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon's impeachment.
This advisory was issued as the supreme court is poised to decide on Yoon's impeachment related to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"In connection with the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon's impeachment, US citizens should prepare for extensive demonstrations and a heightened police presence," the embassy noted in a post on X.
"Avoid areas where protests are happening, and exercise caution near any large crowds, gatherings, or rallies," it advised.
This alert follows a similar warning issued the previous day by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, which urged its citizens to maintain vigilance regarding their safety and security.
The Chinese Embassy cautioned about "potential extreme incidents" and urged its nationals to "keep their distance from" and "not engage in, remain near, or observe" political demonstrations around the court and other locations in Seoul.
