Pictures: The deposed South Korean president appears for the first time in his impeachment trial

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yul appeared for the first time in his impeachment trial before the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, speaking of his firm belief in liberal democracy and asking the court to consider him favorably.
South Korean Yonhap News Agency said that Yoon arrived at the court earlier after leaving the detention center in Uywang, south of the capital, Seoul, where he had been detained since last Wednesday, in a convoy accompanied by the presidential security service.

Firm belief in democracy

“It’s my first time here today, so I’ll talk briefly,” Yun said.
He added: “Since coming of age, I have lived a firm belief in liberal democracy to this day, especially during my time in public service.”

He continued: “Given that the Constitutional Court is the institution responsible for defending the Constitution, I ask the judges to look at me favorably in various aspects.”

National Assembly violations

A lawyer defending the conservative politician described the decision to impose martial law as a way to raise the alarm about violations committed by the National Assembly, and the decision aims to “prohibit illegal practices by the National Assembly.
After the trial, Yoon was not taken to his cell as expected.
Yonhap News Agency quoted unnamed sources as saying that he was transferred to a military hospital

Investigation into corruption of senior officials

The agency investigating corruption of senior officials is conducting an investigation in parallel with the trial, and the agency is investigating whether Yoon is guilty of trying to incite unrest by imposing martial law.
If convicted, Yoon faces a long prison sentence.

This is the first time that an isolated South Korean president has appeared in person in a trial before the Constitutional Court, as former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye were absent from their trials.
The National Assembly (parliament) voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, and his work remains suspended, while he is under investigation on accusations that he led a rebellion and abused his power by declaring martial law.
The Constitutional Court has 180 days from the day it received the case, December 14, to uphold the decision to impeach him and remove him from office or to dismiss him and return him to his position.
If impeachment is upheld, early presidential elections will be held within 60 days.