Ankara: South Korean police are preparing for heightened security measures as the Constitutional Court is set to announce its decision regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The President was suspended following accusations related to a failed martial law attempt. Thousands of law enforcement officers will be deployed in response to the anticipated ruling.
According to Anadolu Agency, police forces have been placed on a high alert status, with plans to deploy approximately 14,000 personnel in Seoul. This comes ahead of the court’s decision, which could either reinstate Yoon or lead to his removal from office. The National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14, following his attempt to declare martial law, which has been described as the country’s most severe political crisis in recent history.
The Constitutional Court, consisting of eight judges, will require at least six votes to uphold the impeachment decision. If Yoon is reinstated, he will resume his presidential duties immediately; if not, a snap presidential election will be organized within 60 days. Notably, the court recently dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, allowing him to return to his duties.
In anticipation of the verdict, police have implemented the “Eulho” alert, placing half of their available forces on standby. The highest alert level, “Gapho,” will be activated on Friday, engaging the entire police force. A “vacuum zone” has been established around the Constitutional Court to ensure security.
Additionally, the South Korean military is increasing its surveillance of North Korea in preparation for the ruling, as stated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The court’s decision will be broadcast live, and the public will be allowed to attend the session.
President Yoon’s legal team has indicated that he will not attend the court’s session on Friday. He was arrested in January on charges of criminal rebellion but was released last month after a Seoul district court overturned his arrest, permitting him to stand trial without being detained.