Synopsis
Seoul authorities have commenced an investigation into users on an online platform who are alleged to be planning mob violence at the Constitutional Court amid President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial. This follows various posts discussing strategies for a riot as tensions rise across the nation.Key Takeaways
- Police are investigating online users for planning mob violence.
- Posts included details about scouting the Constitutional Court.
- Plans involved climbing barricades and bringing makeshift weapons.
- Protests occurred nationwide for and against President Yoon's impeachment.
- Yoon is currently detained on insurrection charges.
Seoul, Feb 8 (NationPress) Authorities have initiated an investigation into members of an online community suspected of organizing mob violence at the Constitutional Court during the impeachment trial of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, as reported on Saturday.
The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station stated that they are identifying users who posted multiple messages regarding their intentions for a supposed riot at the Constitutional Court on the community platform DC Inside, according to Yonhap news agency.
The court is currently assessing whether to uphold the parliament's impeachment decision to remove Yoon from office or to restore him following his brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
In a post made at 3 a.m. the previous day, one user claimed to have scouted the court's premises, sharing various images from inside and outside the building.
"The walls surrounding the court are low, making it relatively easy to climb over," he noted, advising others to pretend to be visiting a nearby café if apprehended by police.
Another individual shared a blueprint of all levels of the Constitutional Court, while others mentioned preparing baseball bats and ladders to scale police bus barricades.
Members of this online forum are also suspected of planning a violent mob assault at the Seoul Western District Court last month in response to the court's decision to formally arrest Yoon regarding the martial law decree.
Meanwhile, demonstrators from both sides of the political spectrum braved freezing temperatures to participate in large-scale rallies across the nation on Saturday, with one faction demanding the immediate resignation of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and the opposing group advocating against his removal.
They called for Yoon's release, who is currently detained on insurrection charges related to his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, while displaying signs asserting that Yoon's impeachment should be annulled.
