Ruling party-led special insurrection tribunal bill triggers filibuster from opposition
Rep. Jang Dong-heok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a filibuster to block the bill on a special insurrection tribunal at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Monday introduced a contentious bill designed to establish a special tribunal for insurrection cases linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid, prompting the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to launch a filibuster in protest.
The bill's submission came as the DPK has pushed for the tribunal, citing perceived delays and unfairness in the trials of those implicated in the martial law case, despite criticism it could be unconstitutional and undermine the judiciary's independence.
In response, PPP lawmakers began a filibuster against the bill, accusing the ruling party of seeking to create court benches made up of judges it favors and attempting to take control over the judiciary.
The bill calls for establishing at least two special benches each at the Seoul Central District Court and the Seoul High Court to handle cases of insurrection, treason and rebellion.
A body installed under Supreme Court guidelines will choose the panels' judges following standards established by judges at the two courts instead of a recommendation committee as earlier planned.
Meanwhile, ongoing cases, such as Yoon's trial on charges of leading an insurrection, will continue to be handled by existing benches.
Amid criticism over the bill, the final version left out some clauses that had been initially included, such as restricting those convicted of insurrection and treason from receiving pardons.
After the bill's submission, PPP leader Rep. Jang Dong-heok took the floor to launch the filibuster.
Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers leave a plenary session as People Power Party lawmakers begin a filibuster to block the bill on a special insurrection tribunal at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods as a way to prevent a parliamentary vote or delay the passage of a bill.
The DPK, which holds a parliamentary majority, plans to pass the bill after voting to end the filibuster.
Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it.
Yoon and multiple former government officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, are currently on trial on insurrection charges over their involvement in the ousted former president's botched martial law bid.
The judiciary has voiced opposition against the bill, with the Supreme Court announcing last week it would install special panels to handle charges of insurrection, treason and mutiny in an apparent alternative to the DPK's plan.