South Korean police set for highest-level alert on day of Yoon’s impeachment ruling
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Police monitoring supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the Seoul Detention Centre on March 7.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
SEOUL – South Korean police will enforce the highest-level security alert on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling
Acting commissioner general Lee Ho-young of the National Police Agency held a briefing on March 14 and emphasised that police will establish an “all-out response system to minimise public disorder before and after the Constitutional Court’s ruling”.
The highest-level security protocol requires 100 per cent of police personnel to be on duty and suspends all leave.
The ruling is expected soon.
Approximately 20,000 riot police officers from 337 tactical units will be deployed nationwide, along with additional mobile patrol officers and detectives. The security perimeter around the Constitutional Court will be reinforced with riot police units and safety barriers.
Measures will be taken to protect justices and court officials, including deploying a dedicated team, undercover detectives and the police special forces unit.
Authorities will extend security measures to the National Assembly, courts, investigative agencies, major media outlets and headquarters of both the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party of Korea.
Riot police will be stationed at these locations to prevent violent clashes.
A protester holding a portrait of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul on March 13.
PHOTO: REUTERS
All private firearm transactions will be suspended, and about 86,811 registered civilian-owned guns will be placed under police custody, from midnight on the eve of the ruling until three days after the decision is announced.
The police will work with local governments and fire departments to strategically station ambulances and consider temporary non-stop subway operations in certain areas.
Mr Lee warned that police would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violent activities, including destruction of public property.
“We will take stern action to prevent any unlawful incidents, like the recent unrest at Seoul Western District Court,” he said.
“We are preparing for the worst-case scenario to ensure a thorough response. We ask for the public’s cooperation in maintaining order.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
