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Pro-Yoon supporters chant slogans in front of the Western District Court in Seoul, January 18, 2025. ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP South Korean justice approved the decision on the evening of Saturday January 18 (Sunday January 19 in the early morning, local time ) the extension of the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol, suspended from office after his arrest for having unsuccessfully attempted to impose martial law, arousing the anger of his supporters, several of whom entered the court. The latter broke window panes of the building, located in western Seoul, before rushing in, according to a video broadcast live. “There is concern that the suspect could destroy evidence,” argued the Seoul court before which he appeared. Tens of thousands – 44,000 according to police – of protesters who chanted slogans in support of Mr. Yoon and some held signs reading “free the president” had earlier gathered outside the court and marched confronted the police. Forty demonstrators in total were arrested following violence, particularly committed against members of the police, a local police official told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers The political crisis in South Korea, between polarization and outdated institutions Read later Five hours of hearing Mr. Yoon, who plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, spoke for 40 minutes in front of the judges, Yonhap news agency reported. His lawyer told AFP that he hoped to “restore his honor”. He “gave explanations and answered faithfully on the facts, evidence and legal issues,” Yoon Kab-keun told reporters after the hearing, which ended after about five hours. Mr. Yoon then left the building in a blue Justice Ministry van, heading to the Seoul Detention Center, where he is being held. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is leading the investigations, said in a statement that two vehicles carrying members of its team had been attacked by protesters, “creating a dangerous situation”. The IOC will “demand that the police [impose] strict sanctions based on the evidence collected regarding these actions.” “Passionate patriotism” Mr. Yoon sent a letter via his lawyers on Friday to thank his supporters, including evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, for their demonstrations, paying tribute to their “passionate patriotism”. On Saturday, protesters, waving South Korean and American flags, occupied the main roads in front of the court. Le Monde Mémorable Test your general knowledge with the editorial staff of “Le Monde” Test your general knowledge with the editorial staff of “Le Monde” Discover Mr. Yoon’s party is generally favorable to the American security alliance with South Korea, and rejects any engagement with nuclear-armed North Korea. The court’s decision to keep the head of state in detention gives prosecutors time to formalize an indictment for insurrection, which would make him liable to life in prison or execution if convicted . Such a charge would mean Mr. Yoon would likely be detained for the duration of his trial. Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers The South Korean president surrenders to avoid a “bloodbath” at the end of a muscular intervention Read later Still officially president He is accused of having destabilized his country by unexpectedly establishing martial law on December 3, a coup of force however quickly thwarted by the deputies, within a Parliament surrounded by soldiers. According to him, this measure was intended to protect South Korea from “North Korean communist forces” and to “eliminate elements hostile to the state”. He was arrested on January 15 at his official residence, a first in South Korea for a serving head of state. The National Assembly voted on December 14 for an impeachment motion against him, causing his suspension. However, he officially remains the president, with only the Constitutional Court having the power to strip him of his title. In this procedure parallel to the ongoing investigations, this court has until mid-June to permanently dismiss him or decide to reinstate him in his functions. Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers In South Korea, the president is taking advantage of the imbroglio between the multiple investigations targeting him Read later Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content
Author : News7
Publish date : 2025-01-19 01:24:49
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