The Justice Ministry on Wednesday submitted an arrest motion to the National Assembly seeking consent to detain former People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho, who is accused of obstructing a parliamentary vote to end the December 3 martial law order.

The motion, approved by President Lee Jae Myung, follows a request from special counsel Cho Eun-seok’s team, which charged Choo with participation in a major act of insurrection.

Prosecutors allege that Choo repeatedly changed the venue of a party meeting, at the request of then-president Yoon Suk Yeol’s side, to prevent lawmakers from joining the martial law termination vote.

As a sitting lawmaker, Choo can only be detained if the Assembly consents. 

The speaker must present the request at the next plenary session, and a vote must take place within 72 hours. 

The motion passes if the majority of the assembly is present and a majority of those present vote in favor.

Choo has already stated that he will not invoke his parliamentary immunity, but a formal vote will proceed as required by law.