South Korea’s anti-corruption agency announced on Monday its decision to transfer the execution of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol to the police, as the warrant approaches its expiration date.
President Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection following his December 3 declaration of martial law, an unprecedented move that sent shockwaves throughout the nation and led to his impeachment. The arrest warrant was issued after Yoon repeatedly failed to appear for questioning by authorities.
The National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14 last year. The motion was subsequently delivered to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate the case. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
Last week, a tense six-hour standoff unfolded in central Seoul when South Korea’s presidential guards and military forces prevented authorities from arresting Yoon inside his compound. The incident highlighted the escalating tensions surrounding the embattled president’s legal battle.
With the court-ordered arrest warrant set to expire on Monday, officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for High-ranking Officials, who are 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 the arrest warrant on the same day.
Yoon’s legal team has consistently argued that the warrant is “unlawful” and “illegal,” pledging to pursue further legal action to challenge it. The president’s lawyers maintain that the investigation is politically motivated and violates legal procedures.
The unfolding situation has gripped the nation, with many citizens closely following developments as the deadline approaches. The outcome of the arrest warrant and the Constitutional Court’s deliberations are expected to have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape.
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Yoon's arrest warrant set to expire Monday, execution handed to police
cgtn.com
