In an unprecedented move, a South Korean court on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his imposition of martial law. The joint investigation unit announced the issuance, marking the first time in the nation’s modern history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president.
The investigation unit, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the National Office of Investigation, and the Defense Ministry’s investigation headquarters, confirmed that the warrants for arrest and search were issued earlier in the morning. While warrants are typically valid for one week from the date of issuance, the unit stated that no schedule has been set for their execution.
The joint investigation unit had requested the warrants from the Seoul Western District Court on charges of insurrection and other offenses the previous day. Despite being asked to appear for questioning on December 18, December 25, and December 29, President Yoon refused to receive the summonses or appoint a defense counsel. However, his legal team submitted a written opinion and appointed defense counsel to the court just hours after the warrant request.
Yoon Suk-yeol has been named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charges following his declaration of martial law on the night of December 3. The martial law declaration was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. In a televised address on December 12, Yoon stated he would not evade legal and political responsibility for his actions.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14, which was then delivered to the constitutional court. The court will deliberate for up to 180 days, during which time President Yoon’s powers are suspended.
This development has sent shockwaves throughout the Republic of Korea, as citizens and international observers alike grapple with the political ramifications. Business professionals and investors are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about potential impacts on the South Korean economy and regional stability. Academics and analysts are dissecting the unfolding events to understand the broader implications for democratic processes in Asia.
The situation continues to evolve, and the world watches as the Republic of Korea navigates this unprecedented constitutional and political challenge.
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South Korean court issues warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon
cgtn.com
