South Korea has extended a warrant to detain suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his surprise declaration of martial law last month. The warrant, initially set to expire on Monday, was reissued by the Seoul Western District Court at the request of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO). The CIO has requested police execute the warrant for Yoon’s detention, citing concerns that they have a larger force and more equipment to carry out the arrest.
Yoon, who was stripped of his presidential powers last month after his short-lived martial law order roiled the country, is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations. He is accused of leading an insurrection, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The approval of the initial warrant was the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president. Investigators attempted to take Yoon into custody on Friday but were forced to back off after an hours-long showdown at the presidential compound.
Tensions remain high as protesters, both in support and opposition to Yoon, gathered near the presidential compound amid heavy police presence. Barbed wire has also been erected around the property, and entrances have been blocked by vehicles. Yoon’s supporters have vowed to block further attempts to arrest him.
Yoon has refused to answer summonses by investigators asking for his cooperation, according to the CIO. The enforcement of the warrant will start a 48-hour countdown for investigators to hold and question Yoon. If the warrant is not extended within that period, it will expire.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/07/asia/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-arrest-warrant-extended-intl/index.html