South Korea: 10% of Police Forces Mobilized for Yoon's Impeachment Ruling

Synopsis

On the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment ruling, nearly 10% of South Korea's police force will be mobilized across Seoul. This unprecedented measure is in response to recent protests and aims to maintain order during a highly anticipated verdict.

Key Takeaways

10% of police will be deployed for Yoon's impeachment ruling.
Initial plans included 12,000 riot police for security.
Protests are anticipated from both supporters and opponents of Yoon.
Increased security measures will protect key locations.
No specific date for the ruling has been set yet.

Seoul, March 9 (NationPress) Nearly 10% of the police force in South Korea will be deployed throughout Seoul on the day the Constitutional Court announces its ruling regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, as stated by officials on Sunday. This unprecedented action follows a recent incident where a group of furious protesters raided a district court in Seoul.

Initially, law enforcement had planned to send around 12,000 riot police from 192 different units to downtown Seoul. However, they are now contemplating increasing this number after President Yoon's release from detention on Saturday.

The 12,000 officers already accounted for nearly 10% of South Korea's total police personnel, which stands at approximately 130,000, according to sources.

Yoon's release came a day after a court ruled that his indictment on insurrection charges from January 26 was valid, extending his detention despite the fact that the initial period had expired.

Under the revised strategy, approximately 5,000 officers will be stationed at the Constitutional Court and around Gwanghwamun Square a day prior to the ruling, with an estimated 9,000 officers on the actual day to ensure accessibility is restricted for protesters.

No definitive date for the ruling has been established yet.

Additionally, they plan to deploy around 40 separate police units to protect locations that may be targeted by protesters, including the embassies of the United States, China, Japan, Russia, Britain, and Canada, as well as the residences of Constitutional Court justices and the headquarters of major political parties.

"We cannot predict how the demonstrations on both sides, for and against the impeachment, will unfold," a police official commented, indicating that there is potential for enhanced security measures.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals are anticipated to gather in the capital city, Seoul, on Sunday to demonstrate for or against impeached Yoon following his unexpected release from detention.

According to police reports, the Sarang Jeil Church, led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, is set to conduct an outdoor Sunday service near the presidential residence in central Seoul at 11 a.m.

The conservative civic group Angry Blue is scheduled to hold a distinct rally opposing Yoon's impeachment at Bosingak Pavilion at 1 p.m., before marching along Jongno 3-ga street.