In an unprecedented move, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his imposition of martial law earlier this month. The joint investigation unit announced the warrant on Tuesday, marking the first time in modern South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president.
The joint investigation unit, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the National Office of Investigation, and the Defense Ministry’s investigation headquarters, confirmed the issuance of arrest and search warrants against President Yoon. The unit stated that no schedule has been set for the execution of the warrants, which are typically valid for one week from the date of issuance.
President Yoon is facing charges of insurrection following his declaration of martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was promptly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. Investigative agencies have named him as a suspected ringleader in the alleged insurrection.
The impeachment motion against President Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 and subsequently delivered to the Constitutional Court for deliberation. During this period, which can last up to 180 days, President Yoon’s powers are suspended.
The joint investigation unit requested the arrest warrants from the Seoul Western District Court on Monday. They had previously asked President Yoon to appear for questioning on December 18, December 25, and December 29, but he declined 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.
In a televised address on December 12, President Yoon stated that he would not avoid legal and political responsibility for his actions. “I will face the consequences of my decision,” he declared, acknowledging the gravity of his declaration of martial law.
This development has plunged South Korea into political uncertainty, with observers closely watching how the legal proceedings will unfold. The issuance of an arrest warrant against a sitting president raises significant questions about the country’s leadership and the stability of its democratic institutions.
As the situation develops, the nation awaits the Constitutional Court’s deliberation on the impeachment motion and the potential arrest of President Yoon. The coming weeks are expected to be critical for South Korea’s political future.
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South Korean court issues warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon
cgtn.com
