South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol leaves prison

(CLO) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left a detention center in Seoul on Saturday after prosecutors decided not to appeal the court's cancellation of an arrest warrant for the impeached leader.

Yoon was released from detention after a court ruled to cancel an arrest warrant for him on charges of inciting a riot. The decision ended 52 days of detention since his arrest on January 15 in connection with a failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3 last year.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol greets supporters after leaving prison on March 8. Photo: Newsis

Mr. Yoon left the prison to a welcome from supporters and lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party.

"I appreciate the court's courage and determination in correcting this illegal behavior," he said in a statement from his legal team. Mr. Yoon's lawyers said the court's ruling was "the beginning of a journey to restore the rule of law."

The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday that the January 26 indictment against Mr. Yoon was filed later than his original detention period, raising “questions about the legality” of the prosecution. Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung accepted the ruling, meaning Mr. Yoon can stand trial without being detained.

Despite his release, Mr. Yoon remains suspended from office and continues to face criminal trials and impeachment. The Constitutional Court is expected to decide in the coming days whether to reinstate or remove him.

Meanwhile, protests broke out in Seoul, with about 38,000 supporters of Mr. Yoon taking to the streets, while about 1,500 protesters opposed him, according to Yonhap.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/Korean-President-Yoon-suk-yeol-released-from-prison-after-50-days-of-prison-post337644.html