South Korean Army Chief of Staff, Special Operations Commander Indicted

South Korean prosecutors on January 3 indicted the army chief of staff and the head of a special operations unit for their roles in imposing martial law.

Specifically, South Korean Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, who was the martial law commander, and Lieutenant General Kwak Jong-keun, commander of the Army's Special Operations Command, were indicted on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, according to Yonhap News Agency citing prosecutors.

South Korean Army Chief of Staff Park An-su answers questions from lawmakers during an emergency session on President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration and lifting of martial law on December 10, 2024.

Mr. Park issued a martial law decree under his name on December 3, 2024. Investigators believe that the promulgation of that martial law decree contained unconstitutional elements, such as a ban on all political activities.

Kwak is accused of sending special operations forces to the National Assembly on orders from President Yoon Suk Yeol to protect the parliament building and prevent lawmakers from passing a motion to overturn martial law.

South Korean investigators arrive at the presidential palace to execute an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol.

Prosecutors considered the actions of the two generals to be an attempt to overthrow the constitution and amounted to charges of rebellion. The two generals were arrested last month.

Earlier, on December 27, prosecutors indicted former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is currently in custody, on charges of rebellion related to his role in imposing martial law on December 3, according to Yonhap. Mr. Kim is the first person to be prosecuted in the martial law case.

Mr. Kim was arrested on December 8 and has been accused of participating in "fundamental" activities for a rebellion and abusing power in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, according to Yonhap.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tham-muu-truong-luc-quan-chi-huy-tac-chien-dac-biet-han-quoc-bi-truy-to-185250103104323098.htm