South Korea’s anti-corruption agency announced on Monday that it has transferred the execution of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol to the police, as the warrant is set to expire soon.
President Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection following his December 3 declaration of martial law, a move that shocked the nation and led to his impeachment. The arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear for questioning multiple times.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14 last year, which was then delivered to the constitutional court for deliberation, a process that can take up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
In a dramatic turn of events last week, presidential guards and military forces prevented authorities from arresting Yoon during a tense six-hour standoff at his compound in central Seoul. The confrontation highlighted the deep divisions in South Korean society regarding Yoon’s presidency.
The court-ordered arrest warrant is set to expire on Monday. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is investigating Yoon’s martial law declaration, may attempt another arrest before the deadline.
According to local media outlet YTN, the anti-corruption agency plans to request an extension of the execution period for Yoon’s arrest warrant on Monday. The agency is determined to proceed with the investigation despite the challenges faced.
Yoon’s legal team has consistently argued that the warrant is “unlawful” and “illegal,” pledging to pursue further legal action. “We will exhaust all legal means to defend President Yoon’s rights,” said a spokesperson for the legal team.
The unfolding situation continues to captivate the nation, with citizens and international observers closely monitoring developments. The outcome of this high-stakes legal battle could have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape.
