Police Begin Forced Dispersal of Yoon Supporters Blocking Western District Court

by Shim Seongah

Published 18 Jan.2025 09:43(KST)

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) has filed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol at the Seoul Western District Court, while the police are forcibly dispersing supporters of President Yoon gathered in front of the court.

On the 18th, ahead of President Yoon Seok-yeol's detention warrant hearing, police are dispersing supporters of President Yoon who are occupying a sit-in protest in front of the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Despite three warnings, the police began the forced dispersal around 9 a.m. on the 18th as the protesters did not disperse. According to the Assembly and Demonstration Act, if participants refuse to comply with dispersal orders three or more times, the police can directly take forced dispersal measures.

The protesters are reportedly resisting the police in the form of a "human chain," linking arms and lying down on the ground in front of the main gate of the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Meanwhile, the pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing) for President Yoon is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on the same day.