South Korea's political landscape took a dramatic turn as President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday amid a criminal investigation into his declaration of martial law on December 3. This unprecedented arrest marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained. The arrest stems from his brief imposition of martial law, which has sparked intense scrutiny and legal proceedings. Refusing to cooperate with investigators, Yoon has been held at the Seoul Detention Centre. On Friday, he attended a critical hearing at the Seoul Western District Court to contest the investigators' request to prolong his detention.
The court hearing, which lasted nearly five hours, became a focal point for both legal arguments and public demonstrations. Yoon spoke for approximately 40 minutes during the proceedings, attempting to counter the prosecution's arguments. Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, the scene was charged with emotion as thousands of Yoon's supporters gathered, chanting "release the president" in a bid to showcase their backing. The tensions escalated when police had to disperse a crowd blocking the court gate in the morning. Multiple individuals were arrested for attempting to breach the court's premises.
Inside the courtroom, Yoon's legal team, led by lawyer Yoon Kab-keun, presented their case against the extension of his detention. Prosecutors had filed a request for a detention warrant to hold Yoon for an additional 20 days. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the martial law declaration. A decision from the court is anticipated over the weekend, potentially on Saturday or Sunday.
The hearing and its surrounding events underscored the high stakes and heated atmosphere of the situation. As Yoon returned to the detention center under heavy security, escorted by a convoy comprising around a dozen cars and police motorbikes, it was clear that both the legal and public arenas are intensely engaged in this unfolding drama.
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