SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Hours after South Korea’s president is impeached Yoon Seok Yeol Although he was formally arrested, sparking a riot by his supporters, his lawyer said Sunday that he continues to refuse to answer questions about the investigation into his declaration of martial law last month.
Yun was formally arrested a few days later, early Sunday morning. Arrested at the presidential palace in Seoul. He could be jailed over the brief imposition of martial law, which sparked the country’s deepest political crisis since democracy in the late 1980s.
Yun’s arrest could mark the beginning of a lengthy period of detention lasting several months or more.
Following the decision to arrest Yoon, the Seoul Western District Court was in a state of unrest, with dozens of Yoon’s supporters breaking into the court and rioting, smashing the main entrance and windows. They managed to wrest away the officers using plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields. Some people threw objects, used fire extinguishers, destroyed furniture and office equipment, smashed glass doors and sprayed computer servers with water. They shouted and demanded to see the judge who issued the warrant, but she had already left.
Hundreds of police officers were called in and nearly 90 demonstrators were arrested. Several injured police officers were also seen being treated in ambulances. The court said it was trying to determine whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to the facility.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Yun lamented the court’s failure to recognize the “legitimate purpose” of martial law, but called on his supporters to peacefully express their grievances. He called on police to be lenient with demonstrators.
However, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters extended their rally in front of Seoul’s Constitutional Court into the evening and continued to clash with police. The Constitutional Court is separately deliberating whether to formally remove or reinstate the impeached president. At least three protesters were detained at the scene. The courthouse was barricaded by police and there were no immediate reports of damage.
The court found Yoon to be threatening to destroy evidence.
In approving the request for an arrest warrant against Yoon, the Seoul Western District Court said there was a risk that Yoon would destroy evidence. Yun and his lawyer appeared in court Saturday to argue for his release.
The High-level Corruption Investigation Service, which is leading a joint investigation between the police and military, was able to extend Yoon’s detention for 20 days, during which time it plans to transfer the case to the prosecutor’s office for prosecution.
Investigators are looking into whether Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration constitutes an attempted rebellion. South Korea’s president enjoys broad immunity from prosecution while in office, but that protection does not extend to charges of sedition or treason.
Mr. Yoon’s lawyer may file an objection to the court’s arrest warrant. Mr. Yun refused to be questioned by investigators and remained in custody.
Mr. Yun’s defense minister, police chief, and several military officials have already been arrested and charged for their roles in enforcing martial law.
Yoon’s lawyer declares arrest
The crisis began when Yoon imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and the National Assembly in an attempt to break the legislative deadlock. election office. The standoff lasted just a few hours after lawmakers managed to break through the blockade. voted to lift this measure. Parliament dominated by opposition parties voted to impeach him on December 14th.his political fate was left to the Constitutional Court.
One of Yoon’s lawyers, Seok Dong-hyun, called the court order for Yoon’s arrest “a typical example of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law.” He pointed to the violence and said Yun’s arrest would further anger his supporters.
Yun’s People’s Strength Party regretted his arrest but appealed to his supporters to refrain from further violence.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party of Japan, which promoted the legislative effort to impeach Yoon, said that Yoon’s arrest would be “the foundation for restoring the collapsed constitutional order.” He also called for strict punishment for the rioters.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, the country’s acting leader, expressed “strong regret” over the riot, saying it “directly undermines democracy and the rule of law.” They called for increased security at facilities related to Yoon’s case, including the Constitutional Court, and to ensure orderly protests.
Yun insists martial law was justified
Mr. Yun and his lawyer argued that martial law was temporary and “peaceful.” A warning to the liberal opposition, He blames the parliamentary majority for blocking his agenda. Yun said the troops sent to the National Election Commission office were there to investigate. Allegations of election fraud, No evidence has yet been shown in South Korea.
Yun emphasized that he had no intention of suspending the functioning of the parliament. He said the military was sent in to maintain order and not to prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. He denied allegations that he ordered the arrest of key politicians and election officials.
However, military commanders said: Deliberate attempt to seize the legislative branch The plan was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped the lawmakers enter Congress, and by the military, who hesitated or refused to follow Mr. Yun’s orders.
If prosecutors indict Yoon on charges of sedition and abuse of power, he could be detained for up to six months pending trial on charges currently being investigated by investigative authorities.
If the first court is found guilty and sentenced to prison, the case could be moved to the Seoul High Court and the Supreme Court, where Yoon would serve his sentence. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
