South Korea’s anti-corruption agency has requested that police take over efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, escalating a high-stakes standoff that has gripped the nation. The move follows unsuccessful attempts by investigators to arrest Yoon after a confrontation with the presidential security service last week.
On Monday, both the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) and the police confirmed the request, which comes just hours before the one-week detention warrant for Yoon was set to expire at midnight. The urgency of the situation has left the country watching closely as the deadline approaches.
According to police officials, the CIO is considering requesting a new court warrant to extend the deadline for Yoon’s detention. The police are currently reviewing the agency’s request internally, weighing the legal and procedural implications of taking over the arrest efforts.
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. The Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant last Tuesday for his detention and a separate warrant to search his residence. However, executing these warrants has proven challenging, particularly as Yoon remains within the confines of his official residence, shielded by presidential security.
The chief of security for the impeached president, Park Chong-jun, stated on Sunday that he could not cooperate with efforts to arrest Yoon, citing ongoing legal debates surrounding the validity of the arrest warrant. Park defended the actions of the presidential security service, emphasizing its six-decade-long tradition of providing unwavering protection to all South Korean presidents, regardless of political affiliations.
“The presidential security service has always stood as a neutral guardian of our nation’s leaders,” Park asserted. He also rebuffed criticisms suggesting that the service had been reduced to a ‘private army,’ urging the public and officials to respect the legal processes underway.
As the midnight deadline looms, it remains unclear whether the anti-corruption agency will make another attempt to detain Yoon or await a new warrant. The situation has sparked intense debate across the country, highlighting issues of legal authority, presidential immunity, and the balance of power within South Korea’s democratic institutions.
The unfolding events have significant implications not only for South Korea’s political landscape but also for international observers and investors monitoring the stability of Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Reference(s):
S. Korean police entrusted with execution of warrant to arrest Yoon
cgtn.com
