South Korea: NHRCK Discusses Yoon's Right to Fair Trial
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Synopsis
The South Korean National Human Rights Commission convened to discuss a recommendation for President Yoon Suk Yeol's right to defense in his impeachment trial, amidst protests from both supporters and opposition parties.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol's right to a fair trial is under scrutiny.
- The NHRCK meeting comes amid rising tensions.
- Protests erupted from both Yoon supporters and opposition.
- Yoon denies allegations of enforcing martial law.
- Concerns over the political climate in South Korea.
Seoul, Feb 10 (NationPress) The South Korean state human rights commission commenced a session on Monday to deliberate on a recommendation aimed at ensuring President Yoon Suk Yeol's right to legal representation during his impeachment proceedings at the Constitutional Court.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) held its plenary session concerning this matter, responding to increasing calls from Yoon's supporters advocating for his entitlement to a fair trial at the Constitutional Court.
This meeting followed the proposal of the recommendation by an NHRCK standing commissioner, intended to tackle the national crisis stemming from Yoon's brief martial law declaration on December 3 last year. However, the commission was unable to conduct discussions on January 13 and 20 due to significant protests from liberal opposition party supporters.
On the same day, pro-Yoon demonstrators attempted to access the NHRCK building in central Seoul to obstruct counter-protesters opposing the recommendation, but were dispersed by police intervention, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Supporters of Yoon have urged the commission to endorse the recommendation, while opposition parties and their backers have expressed dissent. Prior to the meeting, legislators from both ruling and opposition parties visited the commission to voice their perspectives on the agenda.
On February 4, Yoon Suk Yeol remarked that nothing transpired concerning his martial law order, refuting claims that he had instructed military leaders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament to prevent them from obstructing the imposition of martial law.
He made this assertion during the fifth formal hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul.
The National Assembly had voted to impeach Yoon due to his shocking, yet fleeting, declaration of martial law on December 3. He faced indictment on charges of inciting an insurrection and had been detained.
Yoon was also accused of deploying military forces to the National Assembly to thwart lawmakers from voting against the martial law declaration and of planning to detain pivotal political figures.
"Upon reviewing the situation, nothing actually occurred. However, there were claims of me issuing such an order. I feel as if we are pursuing the moon's shadow on a lake," Yoon stated.
"The true essence of this case is evident when viewed with common sense," he added.
Yoon contended that the removal of lawmakers from parliament was implausible, as thousands of civilians were present within the National Assembly compound, with troops being withdrawn following the lifting of martial law.
