South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court for his first trial on insurrection charges, marking the first criminal prosecution of an incumbent leader.

Axar.az, citing Reuters, reports that prosecutors indicted him for imposing martial law on December 3, which sought to ban political and parliamentary activity and control the media.

His lawyers argued he had no intention to paralyze the country and only meant to warn against the opposition’s legislative control.

The trial sparked political upheaval, leading to the impeachment of the prime minister and indictments of top military officials. The court heard arguments on whether to cancel Yoon’s detention, with the next hearing set for March 24. Separately, the Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon’s impeachment and will decide whether to remove him permanently or reinstate him.

If removed, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.