South Korean parliament adopts bill to create special tribunal for insurrection cases

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korea’s National Assembly, led by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), on Tuesday passed a bill to create a special tribunal for handling insurrection cases related to ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law.

Lawmakers voted 175 in favor, two against, and two abstentions, despite strong opposition from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), which was formerly led by Yoon, according to Yonhap News.

The DP has been pushing to establish the special tribunal, citing perceived delays and unfairness in the trials of those implicated in the martial law case.

Under the bill, at least two special benches will be established at both the Seoul Central District Court and the Seoul High Court to address cases of insurrection, treason, and rebellion.

Lawmakers of the PPP had staged a filibuster in an attempt to block the bill, accusing the DP of attempting to create court benches composed of judges it favors and of trying to exert control over the judiciary.

The National Assembly had overturned the martial law imposed by Yoon within about six hours of its declaration on Dec. 3 last year, and Yoon was subsequently impeached and suspended on Dec. 14.

He was arrested and indicted for leading an insurrection in January, becoming the first sitting president to be taken into custody. After being released in March, Yoon was re-arrested in July and remains detained.

The former president was formally removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April.