World

S. Korea leader impeached after Parliament fisticuffs

SEOUL, South Korea - Parliament voted to impeach President Roh Moo-hyun on illegal electioneering and incompetence charges today following hours of scuffles and dramatic protests. Roh's presidential powers will be suspended while the matter is referred to the Constitutional Court for final approval to unseat the leader. The court has 180 days to rule. Prime Minister Goh Kun was to take over Roh's presidential duties. If Roh is forced to step down, a special election would be held to replace him. The impeachment passed by a vote of 193 to 2, well above the 181 votes needed for the measure. Many pro-Roh lawmakers had been forcibly removed from the chamber by Assembly security and were unable to vote. A shoving match was sparked earlier when pro-Roh Uri Party members tried to stop Assembly Speaker Park Kwan-yong from taking the podium, the only place he can call a vote. Assembly security officers then moved in to begin removing lawmakers trying to block his progress. Park had warned Thursday that he might exercise his right to have security officials clear the lawmakers. Live television footage showed security officers dragging out screaming Uri members one by one.