- Yoon made appearance at his impeachment trial
- Denies ordering the arrest of lawmakers during his attempt to impose martial law
- Constitutional Court deciding whether to remove him from office permanently
South Korean suspended president denies ordering lawmakers’ arrest
Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denied allegations of ordering the arrest of lawmakers during his attempt to impose martial law. Yoon made the denial during his first appearance at his impeachment trial on Tuesday.
Last month, parliament impeached Yoon, and the Constitutional Court is now deciding whether to remove him from office permanently. Separately, Yoon faces a criminal investigation into accusations of leading an insurrection.
Security was heightened as Yoon was transported from detention to the court. His supporters clashed with law enforcement last weekend, with some breaking into a courthouse. The allegations stem from a December 3 incident when military commanders claimed Yoon ordered lawmakers forcibly removed from parliament during their vote to overturn martial law. Yoon firmly denied the accusation.