Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a Seoul court on Sunday after a judge extended his detention over his failed attempt to impose martial law.
Thousands of supporters had gathered outside the Seoul Western District Court on Saturday to back Yoon, who became South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested in a dawn raid earlier this week.
Following the court’s decision to extend his detention, the president’s backers forcefully entered the court, smashing windows and doors. AFP journalists witnessed hundreds of police officers charging into the building, arresting dozens and condemning the violent incident.
Yoon‘s detention is part of a broader political crisis in South Korea, stemming from his declaration of martial law on December 3, which lasted just six hours after lawmakers overruled it. He was later impeached and suspended from duty.
Despite facing a Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment and a criminal investigation into insurrection charges, Yoon has vowed to fight on.
The Seoul court extended Yoon’s detention, citing concerns he might destroy evidence if released. His supporters, including evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, argue Yoon was justified in imposing martial law due to alleged election fraud, though they offer no evidence.
The incident has escalated tensions, with authorities pledging to investigate the involvement of right-wing YouTubers in the violent breach.
Yoon’s lawyer criticised the court’s decision and warned his supporters not to escalate the situation. Legal experts predict jail time for those involved in the unprecedented attack on the court.
Yoon, currently behind bars, faces a potential life sentence or execution if convicted of insurrection. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is considering whether to uphold his impeachment, which would result in new elections.
