South Korea suspends parliament and parties due to martial law

The activities of parliament, political parties and associations in South Korea are banned until martial law is lifted, the Ryonhap news agency reported on December 3, citing the commander of the emergency regime, Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn-soo.

The ban also applies to the activities of regional parliaments and the holding of rallies. In addition, due to martial law in the country, control over all media and publications is introduced.

As eyewitnesses report in social networks, against the background of these events, protesters in Seoul gather outside the National Assembly building. Security forces are blocking the parliament after the opposition leader promised to defy the martial law order.

The Russian Embassy has urged Russian citizens in the country to remain calm, follow the authorities' recommendations and refrain from taking part in mass events.

The diplomatic mission is monitoring the situation and advised Russians to contact by phone in case of problems.

President of the Republic of Korea Yun Seok-yol announced the introduction of martial law earlier in the day. The reason was given as the threat of paralysis of power due to attempts to conduct impeachment proceedings.