Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to be released.

(CLO) The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday to overturn the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, paving the way for his release after nearly two months in detention.

Immediately after the ruling was announced, the Presidential Office welcomed the decision and expressed hope that Mr. Yoon would soon return to governing the country. Chief of Staff Chung Jin Suk convened an emergency meeting with senior aides to discuss the situation.

The interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, Kwon Young Se, hailed this as "a pivotal moment reaffirming the rule of law and justice in South Korea." He also called on the Constitutional Court to deliver a fair ruling when considering Yoon's impeachment.

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered his final statement during his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on February 25. (Photo: Constitutional Court)

This decision sparked mixed reactions within South Korean political circles, with supporters viewing it as a victory for the rule of law, while the opposition vehemently protested and urged the prosecution to appeal immediately. Mr. Yoon's legal team argued that an appeal might not be feasible because the Constitutional Court had previously ruled that an immediate appeal against a suspension of an arrest warrant is unconstitutional.

Mr. Yoon was arrested on January 15th on charges of inciting rebellion following a failed attempt to impose martial law last December. However, the court ruled that his detention order was procedurally flawed, as the indictment was issued after the initial period of provisional detention had expired.

Furthermore, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Office's investigation into high-ranking officials has also been questioned regarding its legality, as the agency does not have the authority to investigate charges of rebellion.

Yoon Suk Yeol, the first sitting president of South Korea to be arrested on criminal charges, still maintains that his December 3 declaration of martial law was necessary to deal with "anti-state" forces.

He swiftly lifted martial law after six hours when parliament rejected his proposal. A few weeks later, the opposition-controlled parliament impeached Yoon, accusing him of violating constitutional obligations.

The Constitutional Court is expected to soon issue a ruling on the impeachment case, making the final decision on whether Yoon can remain in power.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-bi-luan-toi-yoon-suk-yeol-sap-duoc-tra-tu-do-post337507.html