In a significant development in South Korean politics, the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol has announced his intention to comply with an indictment or a preliminary detention warrant, according to his defense counsel on Wednesday.
The statement comes after the Seoul Western District Court extended the validity of Yoon’s arrest warrant by issuing a second warrant on Tuesday, allowing for his detention for up to 48 hours. The initial arrest warrant expired on Monday.
“President Yoon intends to face the court trial following an indictment or if a preliminary detention warrant is sought,” stated Yoon’s defense counsel to local reporters. The counsel emphasized that Yoon would not cooperate with investigations conducted under the “invalid” arrest warrant, insisting that any detention warrant should be issued by the Seoul Central District Court.
The preliminary detention warrant is typically sought by prosecutors when immediate detention of a suspect at large is not feasible, allowing for detention for a period determined by a judge, usually around ten days.
Yoon Kab-keun, one of the lawyers representing the president, dismissed rumors that Yoon had fled the official residence. “I met with President Yoon at the Blue House yesterday,” he affirmed, labeling the claims as “malicious rumors intended to slander” the president.
On January 3, investigators attempted to detain Yoon at the presidential residence, but were prevented by the presidential security service. The joint investigation unit comprised the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the National Office of Investigation, and the defense ministry’s investigative headquarters.
The National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14, sending the case to the constitutional court for deliberation, a process that could take up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
Yoon is suspected by investigative agencies of being a ringleader in an insurrection charge. He had declared martial law on the night of December 3, a decision that was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
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Yoon Suk-yeol to comply with indictment, preliminary detention warrant
cgtn.com
