As the outbreak of war being championed by Russia heightens in Ukraine, it is worthy to note that the recent declaration of martial law by the latter is not strange to the Eastern country.
The last time Ukraine declared a similar law was in 2018, particularly in 10 regions mostly bordering Russia, in an attempt to strengthen the country’s defences against flaring tensions.
For a little over a month, all Russian men between 16 and 60 were barred from entering Ukraine, over fear that “private” armies could form within its borders.
That further begs the question, what does Martial Law connotes?
1. In international politics, declaring a state of martial law means granting military bodies and armed forces authority over an area.
2. Martial law is usually implemented when civil authorities such as the police forces and other emergency services become overwhelmed during emergency situations.
3. The law is designed only to be imposed on a temporary basis in response to foreign invasions, riots and natural disasters.
4. The exact specifics of martial law may differ from country to country, and the restrictions in place under such declarations can be tweaked by respective leaders at any given time.
5. Military forces may be deployed for various purposes such as to stop looting, maintain order, impose a curfew, and secure buildings of the government.
6. The power of martial law also has its own limitations. For example, civilians may not be tried by military tribunals as long as civilian courts are functional.
7. A military commander's authority under martial law is virtually unlimited.
