Hundreds of individuals have braved freezing temperatures and snow to protest each for and towards South Korea’s president outdoors his residence in Seoul.
A warrant was final week issued for the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol over the short-lived marital legislation decree he issued in early December 2023.
The conservative president, seemingly pissed off that his insurance policies had been being blocked, declared martial legislation and ordered troops to encompass South Korea’s Nationwide Meeting on 3 December.
The Meeting unanimously overturned the declaration in a matter of hours and impeached Mr Yoon, accusing him of riot, on 14 December.
On the identical time, anti-corruption authorities and public prosecutors opened separate investigations into the occasions.
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Professional-Yoon protesters wrapped up heat to defend the president. Pic: Reuters
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Police guarding the street resulting in the residence. Pic: Reuters
Final Tuesday, a Seoul court docket issued warrants for Mr Yoon’s detention and for his dwelling to be searched – however implementing them whereas he stays contained in the residence is difficult.
Dozens of officers failed of their try to execute the warrants on Friday once they had been compelled to retreat after a six-hour standoff with the presidential safety service.
Forward of the warrants expiring at midnight on Monday (3pm GMT) 1000’s of anti-Yoon protesters rallied close to the gates of the presidential residence on Sunday, whereas pro-Yoon teams gathered in a close-by avenue. They had been separated by police barricades.
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An effigy of President Yoon Suk Yeol coated in snow. Pic: Reuters
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Anti-Yoon protesters in Seoul. Pic: AP
Among the demonstrators had gathered in a single day, when temperatures fell beneath -5°C amid a heavy snow warning.
Talking on stage on the anti-Yoon rally, activist Kim Eun-jeong stated: “The presidential security service continues to hide a criminal.”
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Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial legislation in a televised handle final month. Pic: AP
Close by, Mr Yoon’s supporters held placards with messages together with “We will fight for President Yoon Suk Yeol” and “Stop the Steal” – a phrase popularised by Donald Trump supporters after his 2020 election loss.
On the residence itself, safety workers had been seen putting in barbed wire, presumably in preparation to fend off one other arrest try.
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Mr Yoon’s supporters carried indicators with a slogan borrowed from Donald Trump followers. Pic: AP
The president’s attorneys have claimed the arrest warrant is unconstitutional as a result of the CIO, which is main the legal investigation, has no authority to analyze riot allegations.
Mr Yoon’s defence minister, police chief and several other prime navy commanders have thus far been arrested for his or her roles within the martial legislation controversy.
