Police in the Republic of Korea have used force to disperse a sit-in by supporters of President Yun Seok-yeol who blocked the entrance to the residence to protest the arrest warrant for the head of state, Yonhap reported.
According to him, about 30 protesters staged a sit-in on the road at the entrance to the residence, breaking the police cordon to prevent the president from being arrested when law enforcement officials decide to use the arrest warrant. The police dragged them away by their arms and legs. Law enforcement officers had previously issued several warnings asking them to disperse.
Yonhap suggests that it is unlikely that the police's actions were coordinated with the Corruption Investigation Division, which obtained a warrant to arrest and search the president. According to the agency, these measures appear to have been taken to maintain order in accordance with the rules for holding demonstrations and assemblies.
On December 14, the parliament removed the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Seok Yeol, for imposing martial law in violation of the constitution. On December 31, the court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Seok Yeol for sedition. South Korean law allows for the prosecution of a sitting president in cases of sedition and treason. Until the Constitutional Court's decision, Yoon Seok Yeol's powers are considered terminated.