South Korea is witnessing intensified political unrest as the court has declined to invalidate the arrest warrant against the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. Set to expire at midnight on Monday, the warrant stems from allegations of insurrection following Yoon's failed attempt to declare martial law on December 3. This unprecedented move has plunged Asia's fourth-largest economy into chaos, straining its position as a key U.S. ally.
Protests have erupted near Yoon's official residence, with demonstrators split between those demanding his immediate arrest and others opposing it. The Seoul Western District Court's decision on Sunday dismissed challenges from Yoon's legal team, which argued that the warrant was unconstitutional. They contended that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) lacks the authority to investigate insurrection charges under South Korean law.
The rejection by the Seoul court has left Yoon facing the first-ever arrest of a sitting South Korean president, highlighting the nation's fragile political landscape. As the deadline approaches, the situation remains volatile, with significant implications for South Korea's governance and its international relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
