REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Democracy and Justice Prevails in South Korea
March 11, 2017, Seoul, Korea – The Asia Democracy Network congratulates South Korea on its perseverance of rule of law and democracy. It has been three months since the people of Korea took to the streets participating in peaceful demonstrations weekly, resisting and calling for the impeachment of President Park Geun Hye after a corruption scandal was revealed.
Since the South Korean legislative body voted for Park’s impeachment in December 2016, the Korean Constitutional Court determined on March 10, 2017, unanimously against Park on the account of abuse of power citing “seriously impairing the spirit of democracy and the rule of law” as stated by acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-Mi. The people’s call for accountability and justice persevered.
Such a historic decision is an affirmation of the constitutional principle of rule of law, accountability, and the fundamental principle that no one is above the law of the land.
This democratic victory comes at a significant time of reflection of the democratic history in Asia. We hope that looking back on the Philippine People Power, EDSA revolution of 1986 and the 1987 Democratic Uprising of Korea will revitalize the spirit of democracy across Asia and empower people in their struggle for democracy and human rights.
Asia Democracy Network
PDF Version: ADN Statement_Park Impeachment
