Seoul: The final hearing of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial opened Tuesday without his immediate presence, drawing significant attention to his anticipated last arguments defending his brief imposition of martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon did not arrive in time for the hearing's commencement but was expected to join later. The session began with both Yoon's legal team and the National Assembly, serving as the prosecution, presenting evidence and final arguments. Subsequently, Yoon and Rep. Jung Chung-rai of the main opposition Democratic Party, head of the Assembly's impeachment panel, were set to have unlimited time for their final statements.
President Yoon is anticipated to use his platform to elucidate the events leading to his unexpected martial law declaration on December 3 and contest the legality of his investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the prosecution. Additionally, attention is focused on whether he will issue an apology to the nation for the political unrest following his martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment.
Jung has indicated that his final arguments will focus on advocating for Yoon's removal from office, disputing the president's claims, and outlining a path for the nation to navigate the current crisis. The National Assembly's impeachment motion accuses Yoon of violating the Constitution and laws by declaring martial law without a national emergency and bypassing necessary procedures such as holding a Cabinet meeting and notifying parliament.
Yoon has defended his martial law declaration as a governance strategy aimed at cautioning the opposition party against its repeated impeachments of government officials and efforts to reduce the government budget. Legal experts predict that the court will announce its decision on whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him within two weeks of the hearing, referencing the precedents set by former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye.