Yoon Suk Yeol attended what could be his final impeachment hearing on Thursday, February 13, at Seoul's Constitutional Court. This pivotal session will determine whether judges will formally remove him from office over his controversial martial law decree. The suspended South Korean president faces impeachment for his December attempt to suspend civilian rule by declaring martial law, a measure reserved for national emergencies or times of war.
The opposition-led parliament previously voted down the martial law declaration and moved to impeach Yoon. His legal team maintained that the declaration was "an act of governance and cannot be subject to judicial review," arguing it was necessary under the circumstances. The trial has focused on whether Yoon violated the constitution with this declaration.
In addition to the impeachment proceedings, Yoon also faces a separate criminal trial on insurrection charges. These charges carry severe penalties, including a potential prison sentence or even the death penalty. If the court upholds the impeachment, South Korea will need to hold an election within 60 days to elect a new president.
Thursday's hearing featured evidence presented by the former chief of South Korea's intelligence service and one of the heads of Seoul's Capital Defence Command. This testimony could prove crucial in determining Yoon's fate. The decision-making process could extend up to a fortnight after the trial concludes.
Yoon's lawyers have argued that their client's actions were conducted "in an unlawful and unfair manner," a point they hope will sway the judges' verdict in his favor. In response to the unfolding drama, Yoon's legal team announced the formation of a "citizen defense team" comprised of supporters eager to "save" him and have him reinstated. Already, 15,000 people have applied to join this team, demonstrating significant public backing for the embattled leader.
Throughout Yoon's weeks-long trial, his supporters have consistently gathered outside the court to show solidarity. Despite being detained last month on insurrection charges and becoming the first sitting South Korean head of state to be arrested, Yoon's loyalists maintain hope for his eventual exoneration.
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