New Delhi: After one of the longest impeachment trials in South Korean history, the constitutional court of the country upheld the impeachment of Yoon Sukyeol today (April 4). Yoon is thus no longer president.
The court found that Yoon’s martial law declaration in December last year was a serious infringement of democratic order and that it violated the constitution. This decision comes 38 days after closing arguments were made in the impeachment trial – the longest period in the country’s history. The martial law lasted six hours but the move saw enormous protests across the country.
The national assembly – the country’s parliament – passed a bill of impeachment against Yoon on December 14.
Today’s order was televised. Yoon was not present in court to hear the judgment.
Elections for the next president will take place within 60 days, or June 3.
The same court, a day ago, struck down the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Han is thus acting president, a role he took over after Yoon was impeached.
