South Korea’s authorities have requested a court warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree was an act of rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office and joint police-military teams are questioning him over allegations of abusing authority and orchestrating a coup.
The investigation is unusual, with no previous instance of forcibly detaining a president before impeachment proceedings are complete. Yoon has dodged several requests to appear for questioning and blocked searches of his offices. A court’s decision on the warrant will determine whether he can be compelled to answer questions.
Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him over his martial law decree, which lasted only hours but triggered weeks of turmoil. His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing impeachment proceedings. Yoon has defended the decree as a necessary act of governance aimed at stopping liberal opposition.
The country’s new interim leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, assumes the role after President Yoon’s powers were suspended. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing investigations and diplomatic uncertainty.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/30/south-korea-seek-arrest-warrant-yoon-suk-yeol-ntwnfb