South Korea’s law enforcement officials have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree on December 3 amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, along with police and military authorities, is leading the joint investigation into the power grab that lasted only a few hours.
Yoon’s lawyer has denounced the detention attempt and filed a challenge with the court, arguing that the warrant request was invalid. However, if the court approves the warrant, Yoon will face charges of abuse of authority and rebellion.
The anti-corruption agency is also investigating other senior officials involved in the martial law decree, including Defense Minister and police chief. The investigation has raised concerns about potential clashes with Yoon’s presidential security service.
Yoon’s impeachment was triggered by his imposition of martial law, which halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. His fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
The country’s new interim leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, is handling the government’s response to a recent plane crash that killed 179 people. The Constitutional Court has nine justices, but at least six must vote in favor for Yoon’s presidency to be officially ended.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-detain-rebellion-d00aa71be342df39b9775e49f90f5756