With over 14,000 police officers mobilized and a secure zone established near the Constitutional Court, South Korea prepares for potential clashes as it awaits a pivotal decision regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.**
South Korea Braces for Protests as Constitutional Court Readies Ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol**
South Korea Braces for Protests as Constitutional Court Readies Ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol**
Authorities Deploy Heavy Security in Anticipation of Public Unrest Ahead of Key Verdict**
As South Korea stands on the edge of political upheaval, tensions rise ahead of a crucial ruling by the Constitutional Court regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Authorities expect tens of thousands of demonstrators to gather in central Seoul, prompting the deployment of at least 14,000 police officers to ensure security.
On Thursday, law enforcement restricted access to the streets surrounding the court, closing subway stations and limiting movement near a historical royal palace. The atmosphere is tense, filled with fears of confrontations as the court prepares to deliver its decision, which could either solidify Yoon's ousting or restore him to power.
Protests are expected to kick off at 10 a.m. local time, just ahead of the court's anticipated announcement by 11 a.m. President Yoon, who declared martial law in December and faced impeachment over charges of insurrection, is not expected to attend the verdict reading. His supporters and opponents are already inciting fears of violent confrontations, reminiscent of past events where protests turned deadly.
To fortify safety measures, the police have constructed a formidable perimeter around the court, erecting tall metal barricades and parking police buses to separate factions of demonstrators. This move echoes events from 2017 when widespread protests persisted after a court ruling led to the removal of former President Park Geun-hye.
Before the ruling unfolds, interim leader Han Duck-soo has issued a call for calm, urging citizens to respect the court's decision and abstain from violence. He reminded lawmakers of their responsibility to prioritize community stability over political gain, hinting at the serious stakes of this moment in South Korea’s history.
As the nation holds its breath, the eyes of the world are also watching how South Korea navigates this volatile period concerning its leadership and democratic processes.
