SEOUL — South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has again refused to appear before investigators for questioning after being formally arrested over the failed imposition of martial law last month, his lawyer said on Sunday.

Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, confirmed to the Seoul-based Yonhap News that the disgraced president will not comply with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials’ (CIO) request to appear for questioning at 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT).

Earlier in the day, a Seoul court approved an arrest warrant for Yoon, leading to his formal detention on charges related to allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.

The CIO expressed “deep regret” over Yoon’s defiance, stating that he appears to “deny the rule of law” and should seek remedies through the judicial system if he contests the warrant.

The arrest has sparked unrest among Yoon’s supporters, with South Korean police detaining dozens of protesters for resorting to violence during demonstrations outside the Seoul Western District Court.

Following the court’s decision, a group of protesters stormed the building by climbing walls, breaking windows, and throwing objects at police officers.

Police detained 45 demonstrators on Sunday, in addition to 41 protesters taken into custody on Saturday, bringing the total to 86.

The protests saw 44,000 supporters gathering near the court in solidarity with Yoon, with some resorting to violent acts, including hurling plastic chairs, spraying fire extinguishers, and vandalizing court property.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, calling it “unimaginable in a democratic society.” He directed authorities to tighten security around government facilities and continue investigations into those responsible.

Meanwhile, Yoon, in a letter from the detention center, urged his supporters to maintain peaceful expressions of dissent while protesting his arrest. — Agencies