Impeached South Korea president denies ordering arrest of lawmakers

South Korean detained President Yoon Suk Yeol denied on Tuesday that he ordered the navy to pull lawmakers out of parliament throughout a short-lived plan to impose martial regulation. Having skipped the primary two of 5 deliberate hearings in his impeachment trial, Yoon made his first look earlier than South Korea’s Constitutional Courtroom, the place roughly 4,000 supporters gathered amid heavy safety.

The suspended president addressed allegations made by Lt. Gen Kwak Jong-keun, former chief of the military particular warfare command, who had said that Yoon ordered him to forcibly take away parliamentarians. When immediately questioned by the decide, Yoon responded with a agency denial. In line with Kwak’s testimony on the nationwide meeting final month, Yoon had known as him on a safe telephone to order the speedy elimination of legislators who had not but reached a quorum to vote down martial regulation.

Talking earlier than the courtroom, Yoon emphasised his lifelong dedication to liberal democracy, notably throughout his public service. He urged the justices, tasked with defending the nation’s structure, to think about his case favorably.

The case originates from December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial regulation in a televised deal with, claiming it was needed to guard South Korea from alleged North Korean communist forces, which he attributed to his political opponents. Army forces had been instantly deployed to forestall entry to the Nationwide Meeting. Nonetheless, in a show of broad public opposition, protesters assisted parliamentarians in climbing over fences to enter the constructing for an emergency session.

On December 4, 2024, the Nationwide Meeting united to denounce the decree, producing a unanimous vote of 190-0 to carry martial regulation. Thus, following Article 77 of the Structure of the Republic of Korea, the Korean navy and police forces revered the vote and withdrew from Parliament.

The Democratic Social gathering, the primary opposition social gathering, subsequently led the impeachment course of, describing Yoon’s actions as “unlawful and unconstitutional.” They argued the decree lacked correct procedural foundation, because it was issued with out State Council decision. The Nationwide Meeting impeached Yoon on December 14, resulting in his arrest final week after his safety element blocked an preliminary failed try. He turned the primary sitting South Korean president to face detention.

The Constitutional Courtroom has 180 days to resolve whether or not to uphold his impeachment. If confirmed, South Korea should maintain new presidential elections inside 60 days. The prosecution, appointed by parliament, has criticized Yoon’s protection as contradictory and irrational, notably concerning his claims about nationwide safety threats. Regardless of this, Yoon’s authorized crew has indicated he’ll adjust to the courtroom’s ultimate choice.