South Korea’s investigators have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law this month. This is the first time an incumbent president has faced such action.
The investigation centers on whether Yoon’s Dec 3 martial-law declaration was an act of insurrection, a charge that normally carries immunity from prosecution for South Korean presidents. Police have attempted to raid the presidential office but were unsuccessful.
A court will now decide whether to issue the arrest warrant. Yoon’s lawyers claim the request is “unfair” and argue that the anti-corruption agency has no authority to make it.
Yoon was impeached by parliament after his martial law decree, which lasted only a few hours before being voted down. The move sparked international concern among allies like the US and trading partners in Asia.
A Constitutional Court trial into Yoon’s fate is ongoing, with 180 days to reach a decision on whether to reinstate or remove him permanently from office.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/skorea-joint-investigation-unit-requests-arrest-warrant-yoon-over-martial-law-2024-12-30