South Koreans Flood Courthouse as Judge Extends President's Detention
Supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol have engaged in confrontations with police following a judge's decision to detain the president for 20 days. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A judge in Seoul has ordered the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol for up to 20 days following a court ruling related to his failed attempt to declare martial law last month.
Following the ruling, Yoon appeared at the Seoul Western District Court on Sunday, just three days after his arrest on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The judge granted a warrant for his extended detention, expressing “concern that the suspect may destroy evidence” if released.
In the early hours of Sunday, after the warrant was approved, a group of Yoon's supporters engaged in violent protests, breaking windows and trying to force their way into the courthouse. Crowd members threw plastic chairs and trash at police while chanting “President Yoon Suk Yeol!, President Yoon!,” according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Social media videos captured the chaos as individuals destroyed computers and office fixtures within the courthouse, even ripping tiles from the exterior of the building.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from “anti-state” forces. This controversial decision was promptly overturned and resulted in his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14 with a vote of 204-85. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the case to determine whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office, a decision expected within 180 days.
As a consequence of his impeachment, Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended.
Yoon had initially resisted arrest on Wednesday, following several unsuccessful attempts by police to detain him. His security team kept law enforcement away from his residence on January 3, and a planned dawn raid was called off after Yoon agreed to surrender to prevent clashes between law enforcement and his supporters, who had gathered outside his home to protect him.
Yoon’s legal team has characterized the president’s decision to impose martial law as an “act of governance” intended to break legislative gridlock and to counter opposition-led impeachment efforts against his cabinet members. In a message to his supporters earlier this month, Yoon pledged, “I will fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation.”
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Following the ruling, Yoon appeared at the Seoul Western District Court on Sunday, just three days after his arrest on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The judge granted a warrant for his extended detention, expressing “concern that the suspect may destroy evidence” if released.
In the early hours of Sunday, after the warrant was approved, a group of Yoon's supporters engaged in violent protests, breaking windows and trying to force their way into the courthouse. Crowd members threw plastic chairs and trash at police while chanting “President Yoon Suk Yeol!, President Yoon!,” according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Social media videos captured the chaos as individuals destroyed computers and office fixtures within the courthouse, even ripping tiles from the exterior of the building.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from “anti-state” forces. This controversial decision was promptly overturned and resulted in his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14 with a vote of 204-85. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the case to determine whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office, a decision expected within 180 days.
As a consequence of his impeachment, Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended.
Yoon had initially resisted arrest on Wednesday, following several unsuccessful attempts by police to detain him. His security team kept law enforcement away from his residence on January 3, and a planned dawn raid was called off after Yoon agreed to surrender to prevent clashes between law enforcement and his supporters, who had gathered outside his home to protect him.
Yoon’s legal team has characterized the president’s decision to impose martial law as an “act of governance” intended to break legislative gridlock and to counter opposition-led impeachment efforts against his cabinet members. In a message to his supporters earlier this month, Yoon pledged, “I will fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation.”
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
