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“Historical moment” in South Korea. Several thousand officers in action, finally arresting the president

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The president of South Korea was arrested and brought for questioning before the corruption commission. This time, the police mobilized larger forces and the president's defenders gave up. Impeachment proceedings are underway against the president after he unexpectedly introduced martial law in the country in December.

After several hours of stalemate, the deposed president of South Korea was arrested. Earlier, Jun Suk Jeol managed to record a speech to the nation. – When I saw them crossing the security zone using fire-fighting equipment, I decided to appear before the corruption commission. I believe this investigation is illegal, but I want to prevent bloodshed, he said.

The first attempt to arrest the president took place at the beginning of the year, but his security made it impossible. Now the services were better prepared. Several thousand officers took part in the operation to arrest the head of state.

SEE ALSO: There is a warrant to arrest the president and search the residence. First time in history

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– We witnessed a historic moment. For the first time, a sitting president of South Korea was arrested and taken for questioning. The president's supporters spent the night here, wanting to show him that despite his declaration of martial law, they support him and his conservative policies, reported Mike Valerio, CNN correspondent.

Barricades and barbed wire around Jun Suk Jeol's residence, South Korea

Thousands of supporters in front of the president's house

Yoon Suk-yeol was taken to the headquarters of the corruption bureau, which has 48 hours to interrogate him. The politician refuses to testify. Investigators can apply to the court for another order to detain the president for a maximum of 20 days. If the court refuses to issue the injunction, Jun Suk Jeol will be released and allowed to return to his residence, where thousands of his supporters have gathered.

“I believe the president should be removed from office, but when I saw his face on TV, I suddenly felt sorry for the citizens of our country,” said Lee Young Seok, a resident of Seoul. – Even though I am almost 70 years old, I will never allow our country to be handed over to the opposition, says Kim Wook-Hee, a resident of Seoul.

READ MORE: Six-hour martial law. What was it about in South Korea?

The president is accused of rebellion and abuse of power in connection with the introduction of martial law in December, which was canceled within a few hours after pressure from parliament and public opinion. The politician repeatedly defended his decision, claiming that by declaring martial law he was trying to protect democracy from North Korean sympathizers.

Natalia Szewczak: the president of South Korea is called political "orphan"

Natalia Szewczak: the president of South Korea is called a political “orphan” TVN24

They believe he committed a coup

The opposition claims that Jun Suk Jeol committed a coup. – We must protect our constitution, defend our democracy from its enemies and save our country – argues Jung Chung-Rae of the Democratic Party.

Due to the introduction of martial law, which led to a political crisis in South Korea, several high-ranking officials were arrested, including military commanders and a former defense minister. According to investigators, the president's declaration of martial law is tantamount to an attempt to carry out an uprising. It is a crime that can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

– I am sure that the court will accept the request and the president will be removed from office and accused of committing a crime. I think he will almost certainly end up in prison too. It's hard for me to believe in his political rebirth, says Jeremy Chan from Eurasia Group.

In mid-December, the president was suspended from his duties as head of state after the parliament voted on his impeachment. Now the Constitutional Tribunal must decide whether to approve his dismissal or reinstate him.

The first hearing took place on Tuesday, but it lasted only four minutes because – similarly to the hearings regarding the introduction of martial law – the president did not honor the court with his presence.

Facts about the World TVN24 BiS

Main photo source: PAP/EPA/LEE JONG-KEUN/KOREA POOL



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