South Korean court approves arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol

(CLO) On December 31, the Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and suspended from power following the decision to declare martial law on December 3.

The information was confirmed by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Office (CIO).

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Photo: Office of the President of South Korea

This is the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued for a sitting president. According to Yonhap news agency, the warrant is valid until January 6, 2025. If executed, Mr. Yoon is expected to be detained at the Seoul Detention Center.

The court decided to approve the warrant due to concerns that Mr. Yoon would not cooperate with the investigation summons without a valid reason. In addition, there were "substantial grounds" to suspect Mr. Yoon of committing a crime, according to Yonhap.

Mr. Yoon has refused to attend three summonses from investigators since the imposition of martial law, adding pressure to the investigation process.

President Yoon is facing charges of leading a rebellion, a serious crime that falls outside the scope of presidential immunity in South Korea.

In addition to the arrest warrant, the court also approved a search warrant for Mr. Yoon’s residence. Police had previously attempted to raid the presidential office as part of the investigation but were blocked by presidential security forces.

The presidential security service said it would process the warrant in accordance with legal procedures. However, it remains unclear when and how the warrant will be executed.

The interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, Kweon Seong-dong, criticized the attempt to arrest a sitting president as inappropriate. Meanwhile, Kim Yong-min, a lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament and has proposed the impeachment of Mr. Yoon, called on investigators to quickly execute the arrest warrant.

President Yoon's decision to impose martial law on December 3 sent shockwaves through South Korean politics. The order was issued after a series of large-scale protests against the government 's policies. Yoon's actions were soon impeached by the National Assembly, leading to the suspension of his powers and paving the way for a criminal investigation.

The incident is escalating political tensions in South Korea, as the country prepares to enter 2025 with many major economic and social challenges.

Cao Phong (according to theguardian, BBC, Yonhap)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toa-an-han-quoc-phe-duyet-lenh-bat-giu-tong-thong-yoon-suk-yeol-post328349.html