The Republic of Korea’s joint investigation unit has announced its request to extend the arrest warrant for the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, following his short-lived imposition of martial law. The unit, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI) of the Korean National Police Agency, and the defense ministry’s investigative headquarters, made the announcement on Monday.
The request was submitted to the Seoul Western District Court, seeking to prolong the arrest warrant initially issued by the same court on December 31 last year. This move comes after a failed attempt to detain President Yoon at the presidential residence on January 3, when the presidential security service obstructed the execution of the warrant, which is set to expire at midnight on January 6.
The impeachment motion against President Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and subsequently delivered to the constitutional court for deliberation, a process that could take up to 180 days. During this period, President Yoon’s executive powers are suspended.
Yoon Suk-yeol is accused by investigative agencies of being the ringleader in an insurrection charge. He declared martial law on the night of December 3, a decision that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly. The short-lived martial law has sparked political turmoil and raised concerns over the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The joint investigation unit’s determination to extend the arrest warrant underscores the gravity of the charges against the impeached president. Observers are closely watching how the situation unfolds, as it holds significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
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S. Korea's investigation unit seeks arrest warrant extension for Yoon
cgtn.com
