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South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in his final impeachment hearing on Tuesday, where judges will soon decide whether to permanently remove him from office due to his controversial martial law declaration.
Yoon’s brief suspension of civilian rule in 2022 led to widespread political turmoil and his removal from office by parliament in December.
The 64-year-old former president has been imprisoned since last month on insurrection charges, for which he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
His trial commenced last week. As his final impeachment session took place at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, Yoon was absent from the proceedings, with parliament representatives arguing for his removal.
Pro-Yoon supporters gathered outside the court, with some holding signs denouncing foreign interference in South Korea’s elections and echoing claims of voter fraud.
The verdict is expected in mid-March, with the possibility of a fresh presidential election if Yoon is removed from office.
The impeachment case largely revolves around whether Yoon’s martial law declaration violated South Korea’s constitution. His defence team claims it was necessary to address a national crisis caused by the opposition’s political dominance and allegations of electoral fraud.
Polling indicates strong public support for his formal removal, with a majority in favour of his impeachment.
