South Korea braces for ruling on president's impeachment

Months after Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law and triggered South Korea's worst political crisis in decades, the court will decide today whether to uphold the suspended president's impeachment or return him to office.

- Raphael Rashid Seoul Justin McCurry Osaka

More than 14,000 police officers - more than a tenth of the country's entire force - will be mobilised in Seoul when the court rules on the vote by MPs to impeach Yoon after his ill-fated attempt in December to suspend democracy.

A 100-metre-radius "vacuum state" has been imposed outside the court building to prevent demonstrations. Police buses arriving before the verdict brought traffic to a near-standstill.

The security clampdown extends well beyond barricades. Nearby petrol stations will close to prevent arson attacks, and rooftop access to high-rise buildings will be restricted to prevent people from jumping or throwing objects. Authorities are also planning to ban the release of firearms usually used to kill wild animals and there are proposals to track licensed gun owners via GPS.