SOUTH Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office after attempting to stage an armed coup in the country.
The leader had declared martial law and violated the constitution by mobilising military and police forces to obstruct the parliament in December.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached[/caption]
The declaration of martial law, which lasted only about six hours, sparked the country’s worst political crisis in decades.
Yoon, 64, was suspended by lawmakers over his December 3 attempt to subvert civilian rule, which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament. He was also arrested on insurrection charges as part of a separate criminal case.
Suk Yeol apologised to the public of South Korea for not living up to people’s expectations.
He said: “I am so sorry and regretful that I couldn’t live up to your expectations,” Yoon said in a message delivered via his lawyers.
“I’ll always pray for the Republic of Korea and everyone.”
Yoon’s removal, which is effective immediately, triggers fresh presidential elections, which must be held within 60 days.
The judges said in their ruling that Yoon’s actions “violate the core principles of the rule of law and democratic governance”.
They also slammed him for deploying troops for “political purpose”.
“Sending armed soldiers to parliament in a bid to prevent lawmakers from voting down his decree violated the political neutrality of the armed forces,” they added.
“In the end, the respondent’s unconstitutional and illegal acts are a betrayal of the people’s trust and constitute a serious violation of the law that cannot be tolerated,” the judges ruled.
Violent scenes erupted outside the National Assembly building in Seoul after Yoon issued the martial order in December.
The military stormed the parliament, and all the political parties were banned.
Footage showed cops blocking the entrance and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the main building to stop crowds from pouring through the gates.
Yoon’s removal, which is effective immediately, triggers fresh presidential elections, which must be held within 60 days.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.