South Korean court extends President Yoon’s detention, angering supporters

SEOUL
Reuters
 — 

A South Korean court on Sunday extended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention for up to 20 days, citing concern he could destroy evidence in a criminal probe into his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December.

Yoon on Wednesday became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection. With a requirement either to petition for longer detention or free the president within 48 hours, South Korean investigators asked a Seoul court on Friday to extend his detention after he refused to be questioned.

The Seoul Western District Court said it approved the detention warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

The reason for the approval was “concern that the suspect may destroy evidence,” the court said in a statement.

Under the new warrant, Yoon can be detained for up to 20 days. South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.

The CIO said in a statement it will investigate Yoon, who is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre, in accordance with law and procedure.

Upon hearing that Yoon’s detention was extended, some Yoon supporters broke into the court around 3 a.m. local time and damaged property, assaulted police officers and shouted the president’s name, Yonhap News Agency said.

Live TV showed a large contingent of police seeking to suppress the protesters inside the building.

So far, Yoon has stonewalled efforts by the CIO to interrogate him, refusing to attend questioning. It was unclear if Yoon would change his position under the extended detention.

Insurrection, the crime that Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few that a South Korean president does not have immunity from.

South Korea is grappling with its worst political crisis in decades, sparked by Yoon’s brief attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3 that was voted down by parliament.

Lawmakers impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending his presidential powers.