PANDEMONIUM erupted on the opening day of the mutiny and massacre trial of former South Korean rulers, Mr Chun Doo Hwan and Mr Roh Tae Woo yesterday, with Mr Chun's sons plunging into a free for all with his opponents in court.
The fight erupted when Mr Kang Min Jo, father of a student clubbed to death during a street demonstration against Mr Chun's harsh rule in 1991, tried to rush toward the defendants, screaming "You murderers."
Mr Chun's three sons, led by the second son, Jae Yong, and aides grabbed Mr Kang by the collar, and punched and kicked him to the ground, prompting a dozen court guards to intervene.
Mr Kang (54), was admitted to a hospital. He said he would sue the three sons. The three judge panel warned against further court disturbances.
The incident came hours after some 200 protesters, including relatives of victims of the 1980 Kwangju massacre, staged a protest outside the court.
The protestors protesters hurled eggs and scuffled with riot police, as prison buses carrying the two former heads of state from separate jails drove through the heavily guarded gates of the Seoul District Criminal Court. "Death to the murderers" and "Execute all those responsible", they chanted as some lay in front the court gateway, demanding they be allowed inside the court. Police arrested 20 of the protesters.
Television showed Mr Chun and Mr Rob unchained but in blue grey prison garb, standing side by side before the judge in the courthouse. They face the death sentence on charges of masterminding a 1979 coup and the Kwangju massacre.
Ranged beside and behind them were 14 co defendants, all retired generals.
The first point of contention between the state and the accused was whether the 1979 military putsch led by Mr Chun and Mr Roh was the beginning of a slow, premeditated coup as alleged by the prosecution.
"It was not a military revolt. We overcame a national crisis (following the assassination of President Park Chung Hee)." Mr Rob said in a clear voice Mr Chun was not called to testify.
The putsch led to the May 18th extension of martial law and subsequent bloody crackdown on protesters in Kwangju, leaving at least 200 people dead.
Mr Roh (64), told the court that the 1979 military upheaval and the crackdown were "necessary for a thorough investigation" of the assassination of Mr Park and to restore public order.
Mr Park was assassinated by his security men in 1979, shortly before the coup.
The trial resumes next Monday.