South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol stepped into the spotlight this Saturday as he attended a pivotal court hearing. The outcome? It could determine whether Yoon remains in detention as authorities delve deeper into his controversial attempt to declare martial law.
On December 3, Yoon's declaration of martial law shocked the nation. The move lasted a mere six hours before lawmakers swiftly voted it down. Tensions escalated when Yoon ordered soldiers to storm parliament, leading to his impeachment shortly thereafter.
In a dramatic turn, Yoon was apprehended in a dawn raid on Wednesday amid a criminal investigation probing his insurrection charges. Unlike any South Korean president before him, Yoon refused initial summons, choosing instead to go underground and resist arrest with his presidential security detail.
Now, the court is set to decide whether to release Yoon or extend his detention by approximately 20 days, giving prosecutors time to formalize indictments. Should the court approve the extension, Yoon faces severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment or even the death penalty if found guilty.
Despite the gravity of the situation, analysts predict that maintaining detention is highly likely. Should he be released, Yoon plans to return to his residence, asserting that the investigations into his martial law decree and impeachment lack merit.
As the world watches, Yoon spoke for 40 minutes in court, expressing hopes of restoring his honor. The court's ruling is expected by late Saturday or early Sunday, a decision that will significantly impact South Korea's political landscape.
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South Korea's Yoon attends court hearing on extending detention
cgtn.com
