(DOCUMENT) South Korea: Full text of martial law declaration

ANKARA

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday evening, the first such declaration since 1979, some 45 years ago.

Here is the full text of the martial law declaration issued by Gen. Park An-su, Martial Law commander Army chief of Staff:

“The Command proclaims the following as of 11 p.m. on December 3, 2024, in order to protect free democracy from anti-state forces secretly operating in the free Republic of (South) Korea and their threats over state subversion, as well as public safety.

“1. All political activities, including activities by the National Assembly, regional assemblies and political parties, and political association, rallies and protests, are banned.

“2. All acts that deny the free democratic system or attempt to overthrow the state, as well as dissemination of fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false incitement, are banned.

“3. The press and all publications will be controlled by the Command.

“4. Strikes, slowdowns and rallies that promote social confusion will be banned.

“5. Trainee doctors and all other medical professionals who are engaging in strikes or have walked off their jobs will have to faithfully return to work within 48 hours or face punishment under the Martial Law Act.

“6. Measures will be taken to minimize inconvenience for members of the general public in their daily lives, with the exception of forces seeking to overthrow the state, such as anti-state forces.

“Violators of the decree may face arrest, detention, and warrantless search and seizure in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act, and they will be punished in line with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act.”