A South Korean court has approved the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. This marks the first time a sitting president faces detention. The Seoul Western District Court granted the warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). The warrant is part of an investigation into Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law.
Yoon, currently suspended from office, faces accusations of leading an insurrection. This charge is one of the few without presidential immunity. The Constitutional Court is also hearing his impeachment trial.
The arrest warrant, valid until January 6, deepens South Korea’s political crisis. The impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has added to the turmoil. Finance Minister Choi Sangmok is now acting as president.
Choi is also handling the aftermath of the Jeju Air flight crash which killed 179 people, making it South Korea’s deadliest air tragedy.
The arrest warrant allows investigators to hold Yoon for 48 hours after his arrest. During this time, they must decide to seek further detention or release him. If detained, Yoon will likely be held at the Seoul Detention Center. Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, called the warrant illegal. He claimed the CIO lacked authority to request it.
His legal team plans to seek an injunction from the Constitutional Court.
Protests erupted outside Yoon’s residence. Supporters clashed with police, opposing the warrant. The court justified the warrant, citing Yoon’s likely non-cooperation and substantial evidence against him. Investigators are also examining top defense officials tied to Yoon’s martial law decree. Three officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, face charges. More indictments are expected.
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