News
South Korean President’s Martial Law Declaration Rejected by Parliament Amid Protests
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night for the first time in over five decades, citing threats to national security and alleged “anti-state forces.” However, the dramatic move was swiftly struck down by parliament and met with widespread protests.
In a televised address at 23:00 local time, President Yoon announced his decision, framing it as necessary to “crush anti-state forces wreaking havoc” in the country. While referencing tensions with North Korea, the declaration appeared to be driven by escalating political pressures and a series of setbacks for Yoon’s administration.
The martial law decree placed the military in control, leading to the rapid deployment of troops, helicopters, and police around the National Assembly. It included orders to suspend parliamentary activity, restrict media freedom, and ban public gatherings.
The opposition, led by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, condemned the declaration as unconstitutional. Even members of Yoon’s own conservative People’s Power Party criticized the move, calling it a grave misstep.
Lee urged citizens to protest and called on lawmakers to convene immediately. “Tanks, armoured vehicles, and soldiers cannot silence democracy,” he said, rallying MPs and the public to resist.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting “No martial law!” Despite the heavy military presence, protests remained largely peaceful. Lawmakers navigated through barricades and military personnel to reach the chamber.
Shortly after 01:00 Wednesday, parliament convened with 190 of its 300 members present. In a decisive vote, the martial law declaration was invalidated.
The failed attempt to impose martial law has significantly damaged Yoon’s political standing. Opposition leaders have labeled the move a “desperate power grab,” and even within his party, dissent is growing.
Observers note that this episode reflects deepening political divisions in South Korea, with the military’s brief involvement further complicating the situation. The swift parliamentary rejection highlights the resilience of democratic institutions in the country despite the crisis.
News
Tiger Woods Accepts Five-Year Driving Ban After Reckless Driving Plea
Golfing legend Tiger Woods has agreed to plead to a reckless driving charge as part of a deal with prosecutors, avoiding the original charge of driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida.
The 50-year-old accepted a five-year suspension of his driving licence and a $1,000 (£742) fine under the plea agreement reached with prosecutors in Martin County.
Woods was arrested following the March crash. He passed a breathalyser test but declined further testing for other substances.
He initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusing to submit to testing. Following the incident, Woods said he was seeking treatment and taking time to focus on his health.
Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said he was satisfied with the resolution of the case and insisted Woods had been treated like any other defendant.
“No one was injured in the crash, although Woods was forced to crawl through the passenger door to escape the vehicle after it rolled over.
Police body-camera footage released in April showed Woods in the aftermath of the crash. He appeared calm as he told officers: “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom.”
Woods told police he had not consumed alcohol that day. He also acknowledged taking prescription medication earlier that morning, although the names of the medication were redacted from the footage.
Officers said they suspected his normal faculties had been impaired by an “unknown substance”. Authorities later reported finding two white pills in his pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for pain.
After the incident, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said he was stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his wellbeing.
The crash was the second time Woods had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
News
Norway’s King Haakon Takes Oath as Nation Mourns Late King Harald
Norway’s King Haakon VIII has sworn an oath before parliament in Oslo, marking the first major formal step in his reign following the death of his father, King Harald V.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, parliament also observed a minute’s silence in honour of Harald, who died on Friday.
Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was absent from the formal ceremony as she continues to recover from a lung transplant.
Following the parliamentary proceedings, mourners began gathering at the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their respects to the late king.
King Harald’s coffin is lying in state at the palace, where members of the public will be able to pay their respects until 8 September.
News
Nepal Flood Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Rescuers Search for Trapped Workers
The death toll from devastating floods along Nepal’s border with Tibet has surpassed 1,000, according to the country’s disaster management authorities.
More than 3,900 people remain missing, including over 600 workers believed to be trapped inside a vast network of mud-filled tunnels at hydropower projects along the Trishuli River.
Rescuers have been pumping air into the tunnels in an effort to keep those trapped alive. A team managed to enter one of the tunnels on Monday but was forced to withdraw after finding no survivors.
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said 279 people had so far been rescued from the affected sites.
The international rescue effort is being led by Chinese and Nepalese military personnel, with experts from India, South Korea and Australia also taking part.
Families of the missing workers have expressed frustration over the pace of the rescue operation.
Nepal relies heavily on hydropower and has invested extensively in projects along its mountainous river systems. Authorities said at least 11 hydropower projects, either completed or under construction, were damaged by the floods.
Rescuers began pumping air into one tunnel over the weekend, but relatives of those trapped said the measure should have been introduced sooner.
Prime Minister Shah said rescue efforts had been intensified, describing the floods as an extraordinary disaster and warning that climate change was increasing risks across the Himalayan region.
-
Entertainment1 week agoDolly Parton, Legendary US Country Singer, Dies Aged 80
-
News1 week agoNepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 157 as Rescue Teams Search for Missing Tourists
-
Sports7 days agoWatkins Apologises for Refusing to Play
-
Entertainment1 week agoTim Curry, Rocky Horror Star, Dies Aged 80
-
Business1 week agoMeta Agrees to Pay Up to $18bn to Settle Claims Its Platforms Harm Children
-
News5 days agoEight Killed as Passenger Ferry Capsizes off Northern Cyprus
-
News1 week agoNearly 2,000 People Now Reported Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify
-
Sports5 days agoAaron Donald Comes Out of Retirement to Rejoin Los Angeles Rams
