South Korea: Troops beat civilians and choppers land on parliament as president stuns the world by declaring martial law | 3 Dec 2024 | South Korea's President [dictator] Yoon Suk Yeol sensationally declared emergency martial law today, accusing his political opposition of subverting parliament and railing against "pro-North Korea, anti-state forces" in his country. The shocking late-night address triggered chaos on the streets in Seoul where hordes of angry citizens clashed with riot cops and security forces outside the National Assembly. In an announcement which has stunned the world, South Korea's military proclaimed that under martial law, parliament and other political gatherings that could cause "social confusion" would be suspended and anyone found to violate the regulations could be arrested without a warrant. Shocking images showing dozens of riot cops and armed police officers pushing back enraged rioters outside the National Assembly shortly after Yoon's address was broadcast to the nation... Under martial law, the martial law commander, appointed by the president on the recommendation of the defence minister among active-duty generals, has the power to take actions related to arrests of persons, search and seizure, speech and the press, and assembly. The commander has authority over all administrative and judicial matters. "All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited," commander Park An-su said in a statement, adding: "All media and publications shall be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command." [Sounds like North Korea is the freer of the two...]