The criminal trial of South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, began on Monday as he faces charges of insurrection for declaring martial law late last year, which led to months of political unrest.

The martial law declaration lasted just six hours after parliamentary staffers blocked special forces from entering the parliament building, where lawmakers voted against it.

Yoon, who left his home in a motorcade to attend the court session at the Seoul Central District Court, denied all charges. Prosecutors argued that he had no legal right to declare martial law and accused him of attempting to paralyze state institutions like parliament.

Yoon defended his actions, claiming that martial law was necessary to highlight the opposition party’s control over the legislature, which repeatedly blocked his government’s agenda. He maintained that he never intended to disrupt the country.

The charge of insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

Earlier this month, Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating constitutional powers, with his martial law declaration on December 3 which is a serious blow to democracy. The court notes that his actions caused chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy.

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested popular singer Habeb Okikiola Badmus, widely known as Portable, over allegations of criminal defamation and other related offences.

According to the police, the arrest followed a petition filed by Okunola Saheed, also known as Osupa, who accused the singer of threatening his life, character assassination, incitement, and using offensive language.

In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, it was confirmed that a valid arrest warrant was obtained from a Magistrate Court in Ilorin. Acting on that warrant, officers tracked Portable down in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 13, 2025, around 7:25 pm.

He was taken into custody and transported to Ilorin for further questioning. The police said his statement was recorded in the presence of legal representatives from both sides.

Portable is still in custody, and authorities say preparations are underway to charge him in court soon.

The police have called on the public to stay calm and avoid spreading false or unverified claims, adding that they remain committed to due process and ensuring justice is served fairly.

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has firmly stated that his country is “not afraid,” addressing the ongoing trade war with the United States for the first time publicly.

Speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday, Xi made it clear that China would not be intimidated by external pressures, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

The trade war, which began under President Donald Trump, has rattled global markets and raised concerns about a potential worldwide recession.

Xi emphasized, “There are no winners in a trade war. Pursuing conflict with the world will only lead to isolation.”

He added, “For over seven decades, China’s progress has been driven by hard work and self-reliance, not by handouts from others. We are not afraid of any unfair suppression.”

“China will stay confident, focused, and committed to managing its own affairs, no matter how the external situation evolves.”

These comments followed the announcement from The White House that the Trump administration has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent, with the new rates taking effect immediately.