Seoul, March 11 (IANS) – A group of South Korean opposition lawmakers initiated a hunger strike on Tuesday, calling for the Constitutional Court to officially remove impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. The move comes in response to Yoon’s controversial release from detention and his failed attempt to impose martial law.
The lawmakers, representing the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), the Rebuilding Korea Party, and the Progressive Party, urged the court to expedite Yoon’s dismissal. Their protest follows a separate court ruling that allowed Yoon to stand trial without physical detention, citing legal uncertainties surrounding the investigations against him.
“Yoon Suk Yeol must return to jail,” the lawmakers declared, condemning him as the alleged orchestrator of an insurrection. They also demanded the resignation of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who authorized Yoon’s release, and called for the dissolution of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), accusing it of obstructing the impeachment process.
In a dramatic demonstration of protest, DP Representatives Park Hong-bae, Kim Moon-soo, and Jeon Jin-sook shaved their heads outside the National Assembly’s main building, reinforcing their demand for Yoon’s removal from office. Additionally, the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party established protest tents in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to continue their rallies.
Meanwhile, the PPP stated that it does not intend to organize street demonstrations or hunger strikes in response. “If necessary, we may take collective action, but unlike the DP, we will not resort to public protests to influence the Constitutional Court’s decision,” said PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong following a party meeting.
As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its verdict, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has pledged “zero tolerance” for any acts of violence amid concerns that both Yoon’s supporters and opponents will mobilize in large numbers. The court’s ruling, expected as early as this week, is anticipated to intensify political tensions in the country.
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