South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has denied ordering the arrest of lawmakers during his attempt to impose martial law, as his impeachment trial continues. The Constitutional Court began a trial last week to decide whether to permanently remove him from office.
Security was tight on Tuesday as Yoon was transported by van to the Constitutional Court, where he faced hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside. Police formed human walls and held up anti-riot barricades to stop them from getting too close. Last weekend, violence erupted as dozens of Yoon’s supporters clashed with law enforcers.
In his opening remarks at the hearing, Yoon said he was committed to liberal democracy and asked the judges to thoroughly examine all aspects of the case. He claimed that his martial law order was a “formality” not meant to be executed, but prosecutors accused him and his lawyers of making contradictory comments.
Yoon’s supporters, who have become increasingly agitated and aggressive, demanded his release and restoration to office immediately. They blamed the opposition party for being pro-China and pro-North Korea, and claimed Yoon’s martial law declaration was an attempt to protect democracy.
The impeachment trial is ongoing, with a presidential election likely to follow if at least six of the eight-member Constitutional Court bench votes to uphold the impeachment. The crisis has hit South Korea’s economy, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets multiple times despite the winter cold.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wed43183eo