A South Korean court extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention by 20 days on Sunday, igniting violent protests by hundreds of his supporters. Demonstrators stormed the court building, smashing windows and clashing with riot police. The unrest follows Yoon’s arrest last week over insurrection allegations tied to his controversial December 3 martial law declaration, which has plunged the nation into political chaos.
The court’s decision, announced early Sunday, cited concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence. Protesters overwhelmed police, using fire extinguishers and damaging property before order was restored. Authorities arrested 46 individuals involved in the clashes.
Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest, has denied the insurrection charges and refused questioning by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO). His lawyers argue the arrest was illegal, claiming jurisdictional errors. Insurrection charges, exempt from presidential immunity, carry a maximum penalty of death, although South Korea has not executed anyone in decades.
Yoon's impeachment on December 14 suspended his presidential powers. His martial law declaration and subsequent turmoil led to a collapse in his People Power Party's (PPP) support, which has since rebounded. A Gallup Korea poll shows the PPP narrowly leading the opposition Democratic Party, 39% to 36%.
The opposition hailed the court's decision as a victory for constitutional order, while Yoon’s PPP criticized it as excessive. Yoon remains in solitary detention at Seoul Detention Centre as the Constitutional Court deliberates on his impeachment.
The CIO pledged to proceed lawfully with its investigation. Meanwhile, Yoon’s lawyer urged calm, warning against further violence. As political tensions escalate, the future of Yoon's presidency hangs in the balance.
