Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) has introduced a bill aimed at establishing a special tribunal to handle insurrection cases associated with former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law. This legislative move has been made despite criticisms regarding its potential unconstitutionality and the risk of compromising the judiciary's autonomy. The DP has justified the bill by pointing to what it perceives as delays and biases in the current trials of individuals involved in the martial law incident.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the proposed bill outlines that judges for the special tribunal would be selected by a body operating under Supreme Court guidelines, diverging from the original plan which involved a recommendation committee. The main opposition party, People Power Party, has declared its intention to initiate a filibuster to obstruct the bill. They have labeled the bill, along with other judicial reform initiatives sought by the DP, as "unjust." However, the DP-controlled National Assembly holds the power to vote to terminate a filibuster 24 hours after it begins.

Yoon Suk Yeol, alongside several former officials, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, are currently facing insurrection charges related to the failed martial law effort. The judiciary has expressed its opposition to the DP's proposed bill. In response, the Supreme Court announced last week its plan to establish special panels dedicated to handling charges of insurrection, treason, and mutiny, suggesting it as a potential alternative to the DP's proposal.