South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a Constitutional Court hearing for his impeachment trial, where he denied ordering military commanders to drag lawmakers out of parliament during his attempt to impose martial law. Yoon emphasized his commitment to democracy and pledged to answer any questions the court had. He has been incarcerated under separate criminal charges related to the martial law declaration, which was quickly overturned by parliament. Yoon’s lawyers argued that the martial law declaration was meant to address abuses by the opposition and did not intend to be executed.
The impeachment trial accuses Yoon of violating his constitutional duty by imposing martial law without justifiable grounds. Testimony from military commanders and video footage showing troops entering parliament grounds were presented as evidence. Yoon has been resistant to criminal proceedings against him, refusing to answer summons or attend interrogation sessions.
The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide whether to permanently remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. Yoon’s decision to attend the impeachment hearing contrasts with his avoidance of criminal proceedings. Security was heightened at the court due to mob violence by Yoon supporters following a warrant to extend his detention. Yoon’s supporters were kept at a distance from the court by a heavy police presence.
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