A court in Seoul grants request for an arrest warrant, saying there was ‘concern’ that Yoon could ‘destroy evidence’.
Published On 18 Jan 2025
A South Korean court has extended President Yoon Suk-yeol’s detention for up to 20 days, leading to violent protests by hundreds of angry supporters who stormed the court building, smashed windows, and broke in.
Shortly after the court’s decision was announced at about 3am on Sunday (18: 00 GMT on Saturday), his supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay.
Yoon last week became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection related to his stunning, short-lived December 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil.
Footage showed protesters blasting fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, before they flooded inside, destroying office equipment and furniture.
Yoon and his lawyers appeared before the court’s judge during a hearing on Saturday and argued for his release. His arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or more.
He faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratisation in