Supporters Rally in South Korea as Yoon Faces Impeachment Decision
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Synopsis
On February 25, 2023, thousands rallied in Seoul supporting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, urging the Constitutional Court to nullify his impeachment. Despite police presence, the demonstration highlighted deep divisions over Yoon's controversial martial law declaration.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands of supporters rallied in Seoul for President Yoon.
- Police deployed extensively around the Constitutional Court.
- A petition with 190,000 signatures was submitted against impeachment.
- Legal arguments for Yoon's impeachment included martial law violations.
- Protests face restrictions under the Assembly and Demonstration Act.
Seoul, Feb 25 (NationPress) Thousands of backers of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol converged near the Constitutional Court on Tuesday during the concluding session of his impeachment trial, demanding the reversal of the impeachment.
At approximately 10 a.m., around 3,800 police officers were deployed close to the court's main entrance and Anguk Station. Additionally, roughly 190 police buses were stationed to obstruct the view of the court from the sidewalk.
Earlier that day, members of a pro-Yoon organization conducted a press conference at the court's main entrance, stating that they had submitted a petition containing 190,000 signatures opposing the impeachment.
By 4 p.m., approximately 2,000 supporters of Yoon, including affiliates of the conservative Liberty Unification Party, gathered near Anguk Station to demonstrate against Yoon's impeachment.
In a separate gathering, around 100 individuals assembled on the sidewalk opposite the court, advocating for the nullification of Yoon's impeachment. They refused to disperse, citing their rights to conduct a one-man protest, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
According to the Assembly and Demonstration Act, outdoor protests are restricted within a 100-meter radius of the Constitutional Court, except for single-person demonstrations or press conferences.
Earlier, the legal team of the South Korean National Assembly called for President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal during their final arguments before the Constitutional Court.
Yoon was not present in the courtroom as the lawyers began outlining their final arguments on why the court should validate the National Assembly's impeachment of the President due to his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3.
The impeachment motion from the National Assembly accuses Yoon of breaching the Constitution and laws by declaring martial law without a national emergency and neglecting proper protocols, such as holding a Cabinet meeting and informing parliament.
