Full text of South Korea's sudden martial law decree

(CLO) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise late-night televised address on Tuesday (December 3), criticizing the opposition and sending shockwaves across the country.

Mr Yoon said the opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage. He vowed to eliminate “anti-state forces supporting North Korea” and said he had no choice but to take the measure to protect the constitutional order.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. Photo: South Korean Presidential Office

Below is the full text of the military decree issued by Martial Law Commander, Army General Park An-su:

"In order to protect the free democracy of the Republic of Korea from the threat of overthrow of the regime by the treasonous forces operating within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following notice is issued throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024:

1. All political activities, including activities of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, political associations, rallies and demonstrations are prohibited.

2. Any act of denying or attempting to overthrow the free democratic system is strictly prohibited, fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false propaganda are strictly prohibited.

3. All media and publications are under the control of the Martial Law Command.

4. Strikes, work stoppages and demonstrations that cause social disorder are strictly prohibited.

5. All medical personnel, including interns, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to work within 48 hours and work honestly. Violators will be punished according to Martial Law.

6. Innocent ordinary citizens, except for anti-state forces and other destructive forces, will be subjected to measures to minimize inconvenience in their daily lives.

Those who violate the above declaration may be arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant under Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Powers of the Martial Law Commander) and will be punished under Article 14 of the Martial Law Act.

Hoang Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toan-van-sac-lenh-thiet-quan-luat-bat-ngo-cua-han-quoc-post324029.html