South Korean President Officially Arrested, Supporters Involved in Riots

Hours after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested, sparking unrest from his supporters, his lawyers said Sunday that he remains defiant in his refusal to answer questions about the investigation into his declaration of a state of emergency last month.

President Yoon was formally arrested early Sunday, days after being detained at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces the possibility of a prison sentence for his imposition of a state of emergency that triggered the country's most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.

President Yoon's arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period of detention, which could last for months, or longer.

The decision to arrest President Yoon sparked a riot at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters forced their way in, smashing the main door and windows. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields, which they managed to take from the officers. Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and official vehicles, breaking glass doors and pouring water on computer servers. They shouted and demanded to see the judge who had issued the arrest warrant, but she had already left the building.

Hundreds of police officers were deployed and about 90 protesters were arrested. Several injured police officers were seen being treated in ambulances. The court said it was trying to confirm whether any staff had been injured and to assess the damage to its facilities.

In a statement issued through his lawyers, President Yoon complained that the court did not recognize the "rightful purpose" of his martial law decree, but also urged his supporters to express their frustration peacefully. He called on the police to take a lenient stance toward protesters.

But hundreds of President Yoon's supporters continued to clash with police as they extended their rallies into the evening in front of the Seoul Constitutional Court, which is holding separate hearings on whether to formally remove the impeached president from office or reinstate him. At least three protesters were arrested at the scene. There were no immediate reports of damage to the court building, which was cordoned off by police. VOA (A2 Televizion)