Seoul, Jan 18 (EFE).– Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol appeared in court on Saturday to testify in a hearing on a possible extended arrest for declaring martial law in December.
The vehicle transporting Yoon departed the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang around 1.30 PM local time and arrived at the West Seoul District Court half an hour later.
The convoy, heavily escorted by security, was met by large crowds along the route, according to Yonhap news agency.
Yoon spoke for approximately 40 minutes, defending the Dec. 3 state of emergency declaration, which led to his impeachment 11 days later.
Both the prosecution and his legal team argued their cases during the nearly five-hour session, with each side allotted 70 minutes.
Outside the courthouse, over 12,000 of Yoon’s supporters gathered, chanting his name and waving South Korean and US flags.
The tense atmosphere escalated as some protesters attempted to breach the courthouse, demanding access to witness the proceedings.
“The president explained and accurately responded regarding the facts, evidence, and legal issues. We will wait calmly until the decision is known,” Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told reporters after the hearing.
Yoon, arrested last Wednesday following a protracted siege of his residence, is awaiting a court decision on whether to extend his detention beyond the initial 48-hour period. The ruling is expected late Saturday or early Sunday.
If approved, Yoon’s detention could extend up to 20 days. If denied, he will likely return to his residence to continue preparing his defense.
The arrest request was filed by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading a joint investigation with the police and Ministry of Defense into whether Yoon’s declaration of martial law constitutes an act of insurrection, a charge for which a South Korean president has no immunity.
Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be detained while in office, has appealed the detention order, but the request was denied. He argues that declaring martial law was “an exercise of presidential authority,” not a criminal act.
The Constitutional Court is also reviewing Yoon’s impeachment and is expected to rule by mid-June on whether to uphold his removal from office or restore his powers.
The president has previously undergone more than ten hours of questioning by the CIO but declined to attend subsequent sessions, citing health concerns and asserting that he has already sufficiently explained his position. EFE
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