Constitutional Court beefs up security protection for justices as President Yoon's impeachment trial continues

Come tomorrow that is Tuesday the third hearing of the impeachment case against the president takes place.

That being said efforts are underway to ensure protection for the justices at the Constitutional Court in light of the violent displays of discontent at the Seoul Western District Court in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Oh Soo-young has the latest.

The Constitutional Court will beef up security for justices, ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's third impeachment trial hearing on Tuesday, while the leader remains detained under extended custody.

On Monday, Court Press Officer Cheon Jaehyun said due to violence over the weekend caused by protestors in support of the President outside the Seoul Western District Court, the Constitutional Court has devised enhanced security measures.

Cheon said justices will be accompanied by police, and security screening at the courtroom entrance will be intensified.

The Court has also added more security personnel and is operating an emergency standby system during and outside the working hours, along with additional police reinforcement.

This marks the first time for a sitting South Korean leader to face impeachment under formal arrest, after the Seoul Western District Court approved Yoon's extended detention for further questioning by investigators.

Yoon's lawyers have said the President was planning to attend the hearing at an appropriate time to defend himself.

However, he skipped the first hearing on last Tuesday, citing the attempted execution of an arrest warrant.

He also missed the second hearing on Thursday, as he was being detained for questioning at the time.

Thus Yoon's lawyers are likely to argue for more time, saying that his prolonged arrest infringes his right to attend his ongoing trial.

His team has previously filed two requests to delay the hearings, both of which the Court rejected.

Press Officer Cheon said Monday that the Court cannot reveal "at this stage" whether the President will attend a hearing, but it has not yet received requests for security arrangements.

She added the Court will determine the conditions under which Yoon may argue his case during the proceedings.

Also, regarding the possible suspension of the impeachment case, as investigations into his alleged insurrection pick up pace with his arrest, Cheon said "it is difficult to confirm whether the justices have discussed the matter," adding that "no related documents have been submitted by President Yoon's team."

Article 51 of the Constitutional Court Act allows for the suspension of an impeachment trial, when a criminal investigation based on the same grounds is ongoing.

As President Yoon's impeachment trial unfolds under unprecedented circumstances, the Constitutional Court faces mounting challenges in ensuring fair trial procedures and security amid political and social unrest, as well as addressing potential delays caused by simultaneous legal proceedings.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.