South Korea: Martial Law Shouldn’t Curb Rights

Source: amnesty / Image: © Getty Images

Responding to the declaration of emergency law by South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said:

“The state of emergency declared in South Korea this evening must not be used to justify a crackdown on people’s human rights.

“President Yoon must fully explain the reasons for declaring martial law and ensure that any measure restricting human rights is exceptional, temporary and limited to what is strictly required by the demands of the situation – with all of this being subject to judicial review.

“If the declaration of martial law means the transfer of administrative and judicial powers to the military, this threatens to undo decades of hard-won progress and could have devastating effects on human rights. Without sufficient justification, this would be a clear violation of international human rights law and standards.

“Even if a public emergency is declared, the rule of law must still prevail. Martial law cannot and must not be used as a tool to suppress dissent or curtail fundamental freedoms. President Yoon’s actions must adhere to international standards given the severe threat to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.”