South Korea's suspended president denies ordering arrest of lawmakers

ANKARA

South Korean detained President Yoon Suk Yeol denied Tuesday that he ordered the military to drag lawmakers out of parliament during a short-lived plan to impose martial law, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

Yoon appeared for the first time at his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court amid tight security.

He skipped the initial first two hearings.

Hundreds of pro-Yoon protesters gathered outside the court in a display of solidarity with the impeached president, demanding the court declare his impeachment invalid and order his release.

The court asked Yoon if he ordered military commanders to "drag out" lawmakers from parliament Dec. 3 when he declared martial law to prevent them from overturning his order.

He replied, "No."

Military commanders had earlier alleged that Yoon had given the order.

Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14 and remains suspended from duty. A separate investigation is underway into charges he led an insurrection and abused his power through his martial law declaration.

The Constitutional Court has 180 days to uphold or dismiss a vote to impeach Yoon.

If dismissed, Yoon will be reinstated.

If the impeachment is upheld, South Korea will be required to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.