A motorcade believed to be carrying South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeo arrives at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, South Korea. (Reuters: Kim Soo-hyeon)
In short:
President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention has been extended for up to 20 days by a South Korean court, saying there was concern he could destroy evidence as investigators inquire into his declaration of martial law in early December.
Yoon's supporters were angered by this decision and broke into the court at 3am local time, with 40 people detained.
What's next?
The decision to approve Yoon's continued detention gives prosecutors time to formalise a criminal indictment for insurrection, a charge for which he could be jailed for life or executed if found guilty.
A South Korean court on Sunday extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention for up to 20 days, saying there was concern he could destroy evidence in a criminal probe into his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December.
Mr Yoon on Wednesday became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection.
With a requirement either to petition for longer detention or free the president within 48 hours, South Korean investigators asked a Seoul court on Friday to extend his detention after he refused to be questioned.
The Seoul Western District Court said it approved the detention warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
Under the new warrant, Mr Yoon can be detained for up to 20 days.
Insurrection, the crime that Mr Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few that a South Korean president does not have immunity from.
South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.
Supporters of impeached South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol participate in a rally outside the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, South Korea. (Reuters: Kim Soo-hyeon)
'Passionate Patriotism'
Upon hearing that Mr Yoon's detention was extended, some supporters broke into the court around 3am local time and damaged property, assaulted police officers and shouted the president's name, Yonhap News Agency said.
Mr Yoon's lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, slammed the court decision, but also warned the president's supporters not to escalate the situation.
"This is likely not what President Yoon desires," he said in a statement, adding violence could also "create burdens" for the president's future trials.
Some protesters smashed their way into the building and vandalised the interior, while others outside sprayed an apparent fire extinguisher at the police.
The outer tiles, walls and windows of the court building were damaged, AFP reporters saw. Protesters chanted: "President Yoon Suk Yeol, we protect."
Earlier, tens of thousands of Yoon protesters had gathered outside the court.
South Korean political chaos continues to deepen after president Yoon Suk Yeol is arrested
Photo shows A man in a suit with black hair looking solemn
Scuffles resulted in some 40 people detained, police said, while two official vehicles belonging to the body probing Mr Yoon were also attacked.
Mr Yoon sent a letter through lawyers on Friday thanking his supporters, who include evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, for protests that he deemed "passionate patriotism".
Mr Yoon has also been absent from a parallel probe at the Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to uphold his impeachment.
If that court rules against him, Mr Yoon will formally lose the presidency and elections will be called within 60 days.
He did not attend the first two hearings this week but the trial, which could last months, will continue in his absence.
Reuters/AFP
