South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has announced he will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial, set for Tuesday, citing ongoing safety concerns. His defense counsel, Yun Gap-geun, emphasized that potential risks remain as authorities from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the National Office of Investigation (NOI) continue their efforts to execute an arrest warrant against the impeached president.
Yoon's lawyer stressed the importance of addressing security issues adequately to ensure the president's safe appearance in court. The constitutional court has scheduled the initial hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial for January 14, with further sessions planned for January 16, 21, 23, and February 4.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and forwarded to the constitutional court for deliberation over the next 180 days. During this period, Yoon's presidential powers are suspended.
President Yoon, who faces allegations of leading an insurrection, declared martial law on the night of December 3. However, the National Assembly swiftly revoked the martial law hours later. An attempt to arrest Yoon at the presidential residence on January 3 was thwarted by the presidential security service, preventing the execution of the warrant. In response, a Seoul court issued a second warrant on Tuesday, extending its validity to apprehend the impeached president.
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South Korean president to skip 1st hearing of impeachment trial
cgtn.com
