South Korea deploys 14,000 officers ahead of Yoon’s court decision

South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.

South Korean police announced Wednesday they will deploy 14,000 riot officers in Seoul to manage potential unrest during the impeachment ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol.

This accounts for about 60% of the country’s riot police, mobilised under the highest security alert, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Initially planning for 12,000 officers, police increased the number to better handle large-scale protests and potential attacks on key sites, including the court and judges. The eight-judge Constitutional Court, which concluded Yoon’s impeachment trial last month over his brief martial law declaration on December 3, is expected to issue its ruling this week.

A minimum of six judges must uphold the impeachment for a new election to be held within 60 days. If dismissed, Yoon will resume office until 2027. The sentencing date remains unannounced.

Security measures include on-site arrests for protesters storming the court, standby special forces, anti-drone equipment, and a no-fly zone around the court since last Thursday. Nearby schools, a subway station, a gas station, and construction sites will close on the ruling day, with restricted access to rooftops of 22 adjacent buildings.

In January, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters stormed a Seoul court following his formal arrest.

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