South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is set to submit a written opinion and appoint defense counsel to the Seoul Western District Court, amid an ongoing legal battle over an arrest warrant requested against him. This development was reported by the Yonhap news agency on Monday, citing statements from Yoon’s representatives.
Yoon’s legal counsel, Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer and former prosecutor, confirmed that the president’s written opinion will be submitted to the court later in the day. This comes after the joint investigation unit sought an arrest warrant for President Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month.
“The appointment letter for President Yoon’s defense counsel will be delivered to the court,” stated Yoon Kab-keun, emphasizing the president’s intention to formally address the legal proceedings.
The response from President Yoon follows the joint investigation unit’s announcement that it has requested an arrest warrant on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The president had previously ignored three summonses to appear for questioning, leading to his suspension from office.
A Seoul court is expected to decide on whether to issue the arrest warrant following the investigators’ request. The nation awaits the court’s decision, which could have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape.
President Yoon has firmly denied the charges against him, asserting that his declaration of martial law was an “act of governance” intended to warn the opposition party against what he described as an abuse of legislative power.
The situation has intensified political tensions in South Korea, as supporters and critics of President Yoon closely monitor the unfolding legal proceedings.
(With input from agencies)
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S. Korea's Yoon to submit written opinion to court over arrest warrant
cgtn.com
