Arrest of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Held

(CLO) On January 3, 2025, South Korean investigators decided to temporarily suspend the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, after hours of tense confrontation at his residence in the capital Seoul.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Agency (CIO) said the suspension was to ensure the safety of all those present. However, the arrest warrant remains in effect until January 6 and may be extended.

The incident comes after Mr Yoon was impeached by the South Korean National Assembly last month over his controversial decision to declare martial law on December 3, 2024. The order was widely condemned and quickly rejected by the National Assembly after just six hours.

Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol. Photo: CC/Wiki

President Yoon faces serious charges, including leading a rebellion – a crime punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. He has also refused to cooperate with investigators after three subpoenas.

This is the first time an arrest warrant has been issued for a sitting president in South Korea. The presidential security team said it would act "in accordance with legal procedures".

In the face of the tense situation, the opposition called on the security team to cooperate and asked Mr. Yoon to "come out and face the arrest warrant." Meanwhile, his supporters gathered near his residence, carrying banners protesting the arrest warrant, some calling the arrest warrant "treason."

Yoon’s decision to impose martial law led to violent confrontations in the National Assembly. According to newly released investigative documents, Yoon is said to have ordered the military to use weapons to force their way into the National Assembly building, where lawmakers were blocking the door to prevent the order.

The then defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was arrested last month on charges of abuse of power and involvement in a rebellion plan.

Yoon's impeachment is currently before the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether he will be formally removed from office or reinstated. The process could take up to six months. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is acting president.

The incident has plunged South Korea into unprecedented political turmoil, with several officials in Mr Yoon's administration, including the justice minister and senior prosecutors, also facing impeachment calls.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, Yonhap, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/han-quoc-tam-dung-bat-giu-tong-thong-bi-luan-toi-yoon-sau-cuoc-doi-dau-cang-thang-post328803.html