South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Detention Extension Hearing
Background
A South Korean court will weigh Saturday whether to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, after investigators arrested him over a failed martial law bid. Yoon, who is expected to attend the hearing, threw the nation into chaos on December 3 when he attempted to suspend civilian rule, citing the need to combat threats from “anti-state elements”.
The Attempted Martial Law Bid
Soldiers the president directed to storm parliament failed to stop lawmakers from voting down martial law just six hours after his shock announcement. Yoon was subsequently impeached by parliament and resisted arrest for weeks, holed up in his guarded residence until he was finally detained Wednesday in a dawn raid.
Detention and Investigation
South Korea’s first sitting president to be detained, Yoon has refused to cooperate during the initial 48 hours detectives were allowed to hold him. However, the disgraced president remains in custody after investigators requested a new warrant Friday to extend his detention. A judge at Seoul Western District Court is set to review the request at a 2:00 pm (0500 GMT) hearing, with her decision expected Saturday night or early Sunday.
Yoon’s Lawyer’s Statement
Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, told AFP that the president would attend the hearing "with the intention of restoring his honour". If approved, the new warrant will likely extend Yoon’s detention by 20 days, giving prosecutors time to formalise an indictment.
Charges and Consequences
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is probing Yoon for insurrection, a charge that could see him jailed for life or executed if found guilty. If the court rules against Yoon, he will lose the presidency and elections will be called within 60 days. The Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, has celebrated the president’s arrest, calling it "the first step" to restoring constitutional and legal order.
Public Response
His supporters have gathered in front of the court since Friday, holding South Korean and American flags and demanding judges dismiss the request to extend the president’s detention. The court closed its entrance on Friday evening to the public, citing safety concerns. Yoon has refused to answer investigators’ questions, with his legal team saying the president explained his position when detained on Wednesday.
Constitutional Court Proceedings
The president has also been absent from a parallel probe at the Constitutional Court, which is mulling whether to uphold his impeachment. The trial, which could last months, will continue in his absence.
Conclusion
The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol hangs in the balance as he faces a detention extension hearing on Saturday. The consequences of his failed martial law bid and subsequent impeachment could be severe, with the possibility of life imprisonment or even execution if found guilty of insurrection. The public remains divided, with some supporting the president and others calling for accountability and the upholding of the law.
FAQs
Q: What is the charge against President Yoon?
A: The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is probing Yoon for insurrection, a charge that could see him jailed for life or executed if found guilty.
Q: How long has Yoon been detained?
A: Yoon has been detained since Wednesday, initially for 48 hours, and may be extended for an additional 20 days if the court approves the new warrant.
Q: What is the current situation with Yoon’s impeachment?
A: The Constitutional Court is mulling whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, which could result in his removal from office and the calling of new elections.