A confrontation unfolded at Seoul Western District Court early Sunday when supporters of detained South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol breached the building following his extended detention order.
The incident occurred after a judge granted a 20-day detention extension for Yoon, who was arrested Wednesday on potential insurrection charges related to his December 3 martial law declaration. The court cited concerns about evidence preservation in its decision.
Around 3 a.m. local time, protesters overwhelmed riot police, entering the building after deploying fire extinguishers against security forces. The intrusion resulted in damage to office equipment and furniture, with some participants broadcasting their actions on YouTube.
Law enforcement restored order within hours, arresting 46 protesters. Nine police officers sustained injuries, while approximately 40 people received treatment for minor injuries near the court, according to emergency responders.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, stating it was “unimaginable in a democratic society” and announced enhanced security measures for future gatherings.
Yoon, held in solitary confinement at Seoul Detention Centre, has declined questioning by investigators. His legal team contests the arrest’s validity, citing jurisdictional issues and questioning the investigation team’s authority.
The insurrection charge Yoon faces is among the few crimes not covered by presidential immunity and technically carries capital punishment, though South Korea hasn’t conducted executions in nearly three decades.
While this criminal investigation proceeds, the Constitutional Court separately deliberates whether to uphold parliament’s December 14 impeachment vote or reinstate Yoon’s presidential powers.
Yoon’s legal representatives stated they would “never give up” and described the court violence as “unfortunate” while pledging to “correct the wrong” through proper judicial procedures.
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