"I strongly condemn the illegal, unconstitutional actions of the military and the destruction it caused at the National Assembly premises due to President Yoon's decree of martial law," said Kim Min-ki during a briefing, underscoring the gravity of the military's actions. He emphasized the need for accountability, vowing to seek legal remedies for the damages incurred, signaling to the public and lawmakers that such actions would not be tolerated in a democratic society.
Kim Min-ki revealed that nearly 300 troops entered the legislature grounds, with around 230 flown in by helicopter and approximately 50 scaling fences to breach access. He shared closed-circuit footage of the military's incursion and committed to making all such video evidence public. His remarks shed light on the military's unprecedented actions and the concerns they raised regarding military interference in the democratic process.
Many citizens interpreted the military's actions as an attempt to detain lawmakers, who possess the constitutional right to overturn a president's martial law declaration. This situation prompted legislative aides from both major parties to barricade assembly entrances, demonstrating their collective stand against the military's intrusion. The media reported incidents of troops breaking windows as aides and protesters attempted to confront them with fire extinguishers, indicating rising tensions and the potential for violence.
Within hours of President Yoon's martial law decree, the National Assembly's 300 members moved quickly to pass a resolution aimed at rescinding the declaration. This rapid legislative action showcased the Assembly's constitutional power and commitment to safeguarding democracy against the backdrop of military aggression. It also highlighted the urgency lawmakers felt to counter potential overreach by the executive branch, reaffirming their role as a check on presidential authority.
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