South Korea arrests over 40 people during protest in support of president

At least 45 people have been detained during a protest outside the Western District Court, where hearings were held on the extension of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention. 

At around 5:24 p.m. (GMT+9), a man climbed over the fence surrounding the court building and was arrested on the spot, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

He was calling for the president's release. Following him, 16 more individuals scaled the barrier and were also detained. It is believed that they were supporters of the president. A total of 22 cases have been filed in connection with the breach of the court premises.

Some 10 individuals are under suspicion for obstructing law enforcement officers, as they attacked the vehicle of the anti-corruption agency that arrested the president on January 15. Seven people used force against police officers, while another assaulted a journalist. A protest rally is being held outside the court by supporters of the president, demanding his release from custody. According to the police, up to 44,000 people participated in the demonstration. 

Several protesters clashed with police officers while attempting to enter the court grounds, disregarding repeated warnings from law enforcement about the risk of arrests or a potential crowd crush. The authorities have arrested 86 protesters and set up a special investigation team to look into the incident and take further action against those involved.

Police have stated that they will take a "stern" approach with those who violated the law. A court in South Korea has approved the formal arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his decision to declare martial law last month. The Seoul Western District Court granted law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant for Yoon following an hours long deliberation, saying there was “concern” that Yoon could “destroy evidence”. 

On January 15, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. South Korean investigators probing Yoon for alleged insurrection asked a Seoul court on January 17 to extend his detention after he refused to be questioned. Yoon and his lawyers on January 18 appeared before the court’s judge during a hearing and argued for his release. His arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or more.

By Naila Huseynova