South Korea: Reject Martial Law, Resist Unjust Orders, and Defy Abuses of Power

As WRI, we are deeply concerned about the news coming from South Korea and we stand in solidarity with our friends and everyone resisting martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Read the statement of our affiliate 전쟁없는세상 World Without War below and help us spread their word.

[Emergency Statement]
Reject Martial Law, Resist Unjust Orders, and Defy Abuses of Power

On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law. Park An-su, appointed as the martial law commander, announced decrees from the Martial Law Command. These decrees severely undermine constitutional rights such as freedom of the press, freedom of publication, and freedom of assembly and association. Both the President’s declaration of martial law and the martial law commander’s decrees are actions that gravely threaten democracy.

We categorically refuse to comply with martial law and its decrees. We reject martial law. It is the right and duty of citizens to defend democracy against unjust power. In particular, soldiers and police officers, as citizens of a democratic nation, must refuse to obey unjust orders that destroy the constitution and threaten democracy and human rights, following their conscience. Violence against citizens must never be exercised. History has shown us that refusing unjust orders is not a crime, but carrying them out constitutes legal, political, and moral wrongdoing.

There is no power for those who betray and oppress the people. If we resist, if we do not participate in martial law, if we do not obey, if we do not remain silent, if we do not condone abuses of power, then President Yoon Suk Yeol and the martial law commander will have no authority to wield.

December 4, 2024
World Without War