In an unprecedented development, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol over his declaration of martial law. This marks the first time in the nation's modern history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president.
The joint investigation unit, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the National Office of Investigation, and the Defense Ministry's investigation headquarters, confirmed the issuance of the warrants earlier Tuesday. While the warrants are typically valid for one week from the date of issuance, no specific execution schedule has been set at this time.
The Seoul Western District Court received the request for the arrest warrants the previous day, citing charges of insurrection among others. Despite being summoned three times for questioning on December 18, 25, and 29, Yoon refused to appear or submit documents for the appointment of his defense counsel.
In response, Yoon's legal team submitted a written opinion and appointed defense counsel to the Seoul Court within hours of the warrant request. Investigative agencies have identified Yoon as a suspected ringleader in the insurrection charges related to his decision to impose martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
Yoon addressed the nation on December 12, stating that he would not evade his legal and political responsibilities regarding the martial law declaration. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion on December 14, forwarding it to the constitutional court for deliberation over the next 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential powers have been suspended.
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South Korean court issues warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon
cgtn.com
