South Korea: Farmers Rally Against President Yoon with Tractor Convoy
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Synopsis
Farmers in South Korea rallied with tractor-laden trucks in Seoul, demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol ahead of a crucial Constitutional Court ruling. Tensions rose as police intervened to prevent clashes with Yoon's supporters, highlighting the nation's political divisions.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers rallied for President Yoon's impeachment.
- Police intervened to prevent clashes during the protest.
- About 1,000 farmers gathered at Namtaeryeong Pass.
- Acting President urged respect for the upcoming court ruling.
- The trial on insurrection charges will begin on April 14.
Seoul, March 25 (NationPress) A collective of farmers advocating for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered with trucks loaded with tractors in southern Seoul on Tuesday, in anticipation of a crucial court ruling.
Members of the Korean Peasants League drove their tractor-laden trucks to the Namtaeryeong Pass but were halted from advancing northward as police intervened to prevent potential conflicts with supporters of Yoon.
The farmers had originally aimed to march towards downtown Seoul for a rally near Gwanghwamun Gate in the evening, but were stopped by law enforcement at the southern entrance of the capital.
As per an unofficial police estimate, around 1,000 farmers congregated at the Namtaeryeong Pass, where they encountered roughly 200 individuals opposed to Yoon's impeachment.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency deployed about 1,700 riot police from 27 units, while the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency sent an additional nine units to the location, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Tensions continue to escalate between the conflicting groups as the Constitutional Court is expected to announce its ruling on Yoon's impeachment shortly.
Earlier, Acting President Han Duck-soo urged the public to respect the Constitutional Court's verdict regarding suspended President Yoon, regardless of the outcome, during a meeting with safety ministers and officials, as the court prepares to decide on the impeachment related to his brief declaration of martial law in December.
"No matter the result of the Constitutional Court's ruling, it must be honored as a legal decision made in adherence to democratic norms," the Acting President stated.
"Furthermore, this should serve as a foundation for our society to come together beyond division and conflict," he added.
Han appealed to citizens to convey their views in a structured and peaceful manner, within constitutional boundaries, highlighting rising concerns over illegal and violent behaviors during protests connected to the ruling.
In other news, the formal criminal trial of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning insurrection charges is set to commence on April 14.
The Seoul Central District Court announced the schedule during the second pre-trial hearing, stating that the first formal session will take place on that date regarding accusations that Yoon incited insurrection through his short-lived martial law declaration in December.
