Street protests erupt in Seoul after president's impeachment
Thousands of Seoul residents took to the streets to protest against the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
On Saturday, mass protests took place in Seoul against the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Despite the rain, demonstrators blocked the city's main streets, chanting slogans opposing the court's decision and demanding the calling of early elections.
Crowds on the streets of Seoul: Mass protests follow president's impeachment
The Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously ruled that President Yoon's actions were unconstitutional. Last December, Yoon declared martial law, sending the military to parliament, which was met with a strong reaction from the National Assembly. The parliament passed an impeachment motion, which has now been confirmed by the court.
Protesters, dressed in colourful raincoats, expressed their dissatisfaction, holding South Korean and American flags. One demonstrator told AFP that the court's decision destroyed democracy in the country. The protests were a response to allegations against Yoon of violating the constitution and orchestrating a coup.
The political future of South Korea
Following Yoon's removal from power, a presidential election is to be held within 60 days. Yoon, who claimed he acted in defence of the country against "North Korean communist forces", did not provide evidence for his accusations of electoral fraud. The criminal proceedings against him are set to begin on 14th April.
