Police Chief: "Never spoke with Defense Minister... Martial Law Commander gave the order"

Jeong Chunseng "On what grounds did you go to the National Election Commission?"

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho stated on the 5th that the person who ordered the restriction of access to the National Assembly following President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law was the "Martial Law Commander."

Jeong Chun-saeng, member of the Party for National Innovation. Photo by Yonhap News

On the same day, during the full meeting of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, in response to Rep. Jeong Chun-saeng of the Party for National Innovation's question, "Who gave the order? Wasn't it Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun?" Jo said, "I have never spoken with Minister Kim," and made the statement.

Regarding the control over the Election Commission, Jo stated, "The Martial Law Command contacted us, and we sent personnel as a precautionary measure against contingencies."

Rep. Jeong asked, "You said this morning that after recognizing the situation at 11:27 p.m., you ordered the restriction of access to the National Assembly, so on what basis did you control the Election Commission at 10:30 p.m.?" Jo defended, saying, "The control of the National Assembly and the control of the Election Commission are separate."

Rep. Jeong pointed out, "Martial law troops attempted to enter while threatening the aides and party officials with guns while the members of the National Assembly were in the plenary hall," and added, "It seems they do not understand the seriousness of the situation."