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South Korean Court Approves Arrest of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Decree
South Korean court approves arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law decree, escalating the political crisis.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-31
South Korean Court Approves Arrest of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Decree

A South Korean court has approved an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time a sitting president in the country has faced criminal detention. The warrant, authorized by the Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday, pertains to an investigation into Yoon’s controversial martial law decree, which was issued in December 2023. This decision deepens South Korea’s ongoing political turmoil and comes amid a broader investigation into the president’s alleged role in an insurrection.

Yoon, who was suspended from office after his impeachment, is accused of being the leader of an attempted insurrection, one of the few charges a South Korean president cannot be immune from. The arrest warrant is based on concerns that Yoon might fail to respond to summons from investigators. The court has also granted a search warrant for his residence.

The martial law decree, which sought to ban political activity and censor the media, was quickly rescinded following intense backlash. The decree led to a brief military intervention when troops stormed the National Assembly building in Seoul, although they were repelled by lawmakers and aides. Despite the decree’s reversal, the political fallout was swift, with Yoon surviving a first impeachment attempt, but later facing a second impeachment on December 14, 2023, which ultimately led to his suspension from office.

The approval of the arrest warrant is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and a key US ally. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who assumed acting presidential duties after Yoon’s impeachment, himself faced impeachment from a parliament dominated by opposition parties. Following Han's impeachment, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok took on the role of acting president during an exceptionally turbulent time, as the country also faced the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which killed 179 people.

In a statement, Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the impeached president, called the arrest warrant illegal, arguing that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) did not have the legal authority to request it. Yoon’s legal team intends to file an injunction at the Constitutional Court to block the warrant. On the streets, hundreds of Yoon supporters gathered to protest, some clashing with police.

The current arrest warrant, which is valid until January 6, 2024, allows investigators just 48 hours to detain Yoon once arrested before deciding whether to request a detention warrant or release him. Once arrested, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, according to reports.

Yoon’s controversial martial law decree remains a central issue in the ongoing investigation, with prosecutors having already indicted several top defense officials involved in the decision. Kim Yong-hyun, the former Defense Minister, and other high-ranking military officials face charges related to insurrection and abuse of power, with trials set to begin in the coming weeks.

As political instability grips South Korea, acting leader Choi called for national unity in a New Year’s address, urging the country to work through the unprecedented situation. The investigation continues, with potential challenges ahead as the country navigates its most significant political crisis in decades.

 
Tagged:

southkorea

MartialLaw

Impeachment

YoonSukYeol
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