South Korea’s ex-defence min arrested over martial law

Seoul: South Korea’s previous defence minister was formally arrested Wednesday over his alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol and others in imposing martial law last week, as authorities investigate whether their acts amount to rebellion.

Martial law, the first in more than 40 years, lasted only about six hours but triggered a domestic firestorm and large street protests. Yoon and his associates face criminal investigations and impeachment attempts.

The Justice Ministry has banned Yoon and eight others from leaving the country as authorities see them as key suspects. It’s the first time a sitting president in South Korea has received a travel ban.

The Seoul Central District Court said it approved an arrest warrant for former Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun on allegations of playing a key role in rebellion and committing abuse of power, making him the first person arrested over the December 3 martial law decree.

The court said it considered the significance of his alleged crime and chances that he could destroy evidence.

Kim, one of Yoon’s close associates, resigned Thursday and has been detained since Sunday.

Prosecutors have up to 20 days to determine whether to indict him. A conviction on the charge of rebellion carries a maximum death sentence.

Kim has been accused of recommending martial law to Yoon and sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting on it.

Enough lawmakers eventually managed to enter a parliament chamber and unanimously rejected Yoon’s decree, forcing the Cabinet to lift it before daybreak on December 4.

Kim said in a statement Tuesday that he “deeply apologises for causing significant anxiety and inconvenience.”