A South Korean court on Sunday ruled to extend the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The embattled politician faces prison on possible rebellion charges after briefly declaring martial law on December 3.
South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach Yoon on December 14.
What do we know about Yoon’s arrest?
On Sunday, the Seoul Western District Court granted police’s request for a formal arrest warrant for Yoon.
The court said it decided to extend Yoon’s detention due to concerns that he might destroy evidence if released.
The decision means investigators can hold Yoon in pre-trial detention for up to 20 days starting on Wednesday, when he was detained and remanded to custody.
What happened after the arrest?
The announcement was followed by protests by Yoon supporters, who entered the court and broke windows and equipment. Around 90 people were arrested in this incident.
Acting police chief Lee Ho-young said the attack on the court by protesters was a serious challenge to the rule of law.
He said police would investigate the threats against the judge who issued the warrant to extend Yoon’s detention.
South Korea’s corruption investigation office said it summoned Yoon for questioning at 2 p.m. local time (0500 UTC).
Yun wants to establish ‘legitimacy’ of martial law
While Yoon had previously refused to cooperate with the investigation, his lawyers on Saturday said he had decided to appear in court in person.
A lawyer for Yun said the impeached president planned to explain “the legality of emergency martial law” and argue against rebellion charges.
Under South Korean law, someone found guilty of rebellion could face life in prison or the death penalty.
In a separate case, South Korea’s constitutional court is considering whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment.
SDI/SMS (AP, dpa, Reuters)