In Seoul on Tuesday, South Korea's Constitutional Court conducted the fifth hearing in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The proceedings marked the third courtroom appearance by the detained president, who arrived at the central Seoul courthouse at approximately 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT).
During the hearing, President Yoon addressed allegations surrounding his declaration of emergency martial law on December 3 of the previous year. He emphatically denied ordering martial law troops to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly, which had swiftly moved to revoke the martial law hours after its imposition. \"Nothing really happened that night,\" Yoon asserted, distancing himself from the accusations.
Television footage from that night depicted a dramatic scene with military helicopters landing at the National Assembly and hundreds of armed special forces troops entering the parliamentary building during the midnight hours. Under South Korea's constitution, while the president has the authority to declare martial law, such a declaration must be reported to the National Assembly, which holds the exclusive power to repeal it.
President Yoon claimed his intention was to appeal to the nation through the imposition of martial law and to lift it if the parliament voted against it. He admitted that this plan was communicated only to former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and not to other members of his cabinet. \"I intended to respect the parliamentary decision,\" Yoon explained.
The prosecution's indictment paints a different picture, alleging that Yoon instructed military commanders via telephone to deploy martial law troops into the parliamentary chamber, where lawmakers were convened to annul the martial law. He allegedly urged them to \"fire guns\" and \"use axes\" to break down doors if necessary.
Lee Jin-woo, the former chief of the Capital Defense Command, also stood accused of involvement in the martial law imposition. However, during the hearing, Lee refused to testify, citing restrictions due to his ongoing criminal case. He did confirm having spoken with President Yoon on the night martial law was declared.
The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol has captivated the nation, as citizens watch the unfolding legal battle that could reshape South Korea's political landscape. The Constitutional Court's proceedings continue to be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, awaiting a verdict that will determine the country's future leadership.
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S. Korea's court holds 5th hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial
cgtn.com
