Mar 10, Kathmandu- Seoul police have tightened security in Seoul to “prevent conflict” following the ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, Seoul police said.

South Korea's police chief has said the South Korean police are ready to take "all available measures" to prevent unrest after the court's decision on whether to uphold the impeachment of the country's suspended president.

The Constitutional Court is expected to issue its decision this month on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for declaring military rule.

Yoon's short-lived suspension of civilian rule plunged democratic South Korea into political turmoil, and he was detained in connection with a coup in January. However, he was released on procedural grounds late last week.

Supporters of the ousted president broke the doors and windows of a Seoul district court after a Seoul judge extended Yoon's detention, and officials have warned of violence over the impending verdict.

“We must stop the clashes in and around the Constitutional Court,” said Park Hyun-soo, acting chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

“We plan to declare the area within 100 meters of the Constitutional Court a protest-free zone and deploy all available equipment, including barricades,” Park told a news conference.

“We must work to prevent conflicts between opposing groups over the impeachment and protect the Constitutional Court judges,” he said.

Police are providing additional training to their personnel on how to use tear gas and batons, Park said, and are also considering deploying special police forces to respond to bomb threats.

Park said discussions are underway with relevant agencies about closing nearby schools on the day of the verdict, and preparations are underway to close nearby construction sites and gas stations.

Police are concerned that these sites could be used to “store protest and demonstration materials.”

In addition to the impeachment verdict, Yoon will face a criminal trial for declaring martial law in December. He has become the first sitting South Korean president to face trial in a criminal case.

Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung told reporters on Monday that the prosecution will continue the case even if Yoon is unexpectedly released from custody.

“We will ensure that the prosecution’s case continues with strong efforts,” Shim said.