A South Korean court on Friday ordered the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from jail as his trial for rebellion charges approaches. The decision allows Yoon to stand trial without being physically detained, but prosecutors can still pursue an appeal.
Yoon was arrested in January over a Dec. 3 martial law decree that sparked widespread protests and opposition. He faces up to life imprisonment if convicted of rebellion charges. His lawyers have questioned the legality of the investigation into his actions, citing a lack of authority from the relevant agency.
The court cited the expiration of Yoon’s formal arrest period before he was indicted as the reason for his release. However, prosecutors can still hold him temporarily while pursuing an appeal. The opposition-led Democratic Party has called on them to immediately appeal the ruling.
Yoon’s decree sparked traumatic memories among many South Koreans, who saw it as a threat to democracy. The court’s decision comes ahead of its expected ruling on Yoon’s impeachment trial, which could determine his fate and lead to a national election if he is removed from office.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-57283b1e23bdd294ed93dd68cd4b8d47