THE lawyers of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol said today that he remains defiant in his refusal to answer questions in the probe into his declaration of martial law last month.

Mr Yoon was formally arrested early on Sunday, days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul and faces possible imprisonment over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

President Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.

The decision to arrest Mr Yoon ignited riots at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters broke in and rioted, destroying the main door and windows. 

They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields that they managed to wrestle away from officers.

Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and office machines, smashing glass doors and spraying water on computer servers. 

They shouted demands to see the judge who had issued the warrant, but she had already left.

About 90 protesters were arrested after a heavy deployment of police. 

Some injured police officers were seen being treated at ambulance vans. 

The court said that it was trying to confirm whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to its facilities.

In a statement issued through lawyers, Mr Yoon said that he failed to understand how the court could not recognise the “just purpose” of his martial law decree but also urged his supporters to express their frustrations peacefully. 

He called on the police to adopt a lenient stance toward the protesters.

But hundreds of Mr Yoon’s supporters continued to clash with police as they extended their rallies into the evening in front of Seoul’s Constitutional Court, which is holding separate deliberations on whether to formally remove the impeached president from office or reinstate him. 

At least three protesters were detained at the scene. There were no immediate reports of damage to the court, which was barricaded by police.

Mr Yoon’s People Power Party regretted his arrest but also pleaded for his supporters to refrain from further violence.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party said his arrest would be a “cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order.”

It also called for stern punishment of the rioters.

The country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang Mok, expressed “strong regret” about the riot, saying it “directly undermines democracy and the rule of law.”

He asked for heightened security at the sites related to Mr Yoon’s case and measures to ensure order during protests.