In a significant escalation of South Korea’s political turmoil, the nation’s anti-corruption agency has requested police assistance to detain impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The move comes after agency investigators failed to arrest Yoon following a standoff with his presidential security service last week.
On Monday, both the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) and police officials confirmed the request, made just hours before the one-week detention warrant for Yoon was set to expire at midnight (1500 GMT). The police are currently reviewing the agency’s request internally, considering the complexities involved in arresting a sitting president who remains within his official residence.
Yoon Suk-yeol made history as the first incumbent South Korean president to face arrest, stemming from his failed attempt to declare martial law on December 3. Last Tuesday, the Seoul Western District Court issued warrants for his detention and the search of his residence. However, the execution of these warrants has been hindered by legal debates and the protective stance of the presidential security service.
Park Chong-jun, the chief of security for the impeached president, stated on Sunday that he could not cooperate with the arrest efforts due to ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the warrant. He defended the actions of the presidential security service, highlighting its six-decade tradition of providing security to all South Korean presidents, regardless of political leanings. Park also dismissed criticisms that the service had become a “private army,” emphasizing its commitment to national security protocols.
As the midnight deadline approaches, it remains uncertain whether the anti-corruption agency will attempt another arrest before the current warrant expires. Police officials suggest that the CIO is likely to request a new court warrant to extend the deadline for Yoon’s detention, prolonging the nation’s political uncertainty.
Reference(s):
S. Korean police entrusted with execution of warrant to arrest Yoon
cgtn.com
