<p>Seoul: A South Korean court on Sunday extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention for up to 20 days, citing concern he could destroy evidence in a criminal probe into his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December.</p><p>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.</p><p>The Seoul Western District Court said it approved the detention warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).</p>.South Korea's President Yoon attends court hearing on extending detention.<p>The reason for the approval was "concern that the suspect may destroy evidence", the court said in a statement.</p><p>Under the new warrant, Yoon can be detained for up to 20 days. South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.</p><p>The CIO said in a statement it will investigate Yoon, who is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre, in accordance with law and procedure.</p><p>Upon hearing that Yoon's detention was extended, some Yoon supporters broke into the court around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT Saturday) and damaged property, assaulted police officers and shouted the president's name, Yonhap News Agency said.</p><p>Live TV showed a large contingent of police seeking to suppress the protesters inside the building.</p><p>So far, Yoon has stonewalled efforts by the CIO to interrogate him, refusing to attend questioning. It was unclear if Yoon would change his position under the extended detention.</p><p>Insurrection, the crime that Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few that a South Korean president does not have immunity from.</p><p>South Korea is grappling with its worst political crisis in decades, sparked by Yoon's brief attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3 that was voted down by parliament.</p><p>Lawmakers impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending his presidential powers. </p>
<p>Seoul: A South Korean court on Sunday extended President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention for up to 20 days, citing concern he could destroy evidence in a criminal probe into his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December.</p><p>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.</p><p>The Seoul Western District Court said it approved the detention warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).</p>.South Korea's President Yoon attends court hearing on extending detention.<p>The reason for the approval was "concern that the suspect may destroy evidence", the court said in a statement.</p><p>Under the new warrant, Yoon can be detained for up to 20 days. South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.</p><p>The CIO said in a statement it will investigate Yoon, who is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre, in accordance with law and procedure.</p><p>Upon hearing that Yoon's detention was extended, some Yoon supporters broke into the court around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT Saturday) and damaged property, assaulted police officers and shouted the president's name, Yonhap News Agency said.</p><p>Live TV showed a large contingent of police seeking to suppress the protesters inside the building.</p><p>So far, Yoon has stonewalled efforts by the CIO to interrogate him, refusing to attend questioning. It was unclear if Yoon would change his position under the extended detention.</p><p>Insurrection, the crime that Yoon may be charged with, is one of the few that a South Korean president does not have immunity from.</p><p>South Korea is grappling with its worst political crisis in decades, sparked by Yoon's brief attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3 that was voted down by parliament.</p><p>Lawmakers impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending his presidential powers. </p>