South Korean Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Detained and Questioned Over Martial Law Declaration
SEOUL, Jan 15 (Bernama-Yonhap) – Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken to a detention centre late Wednesday where he will spend the night before undergoing further questioning over his short-lived imposition of martial law, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Background
Yoon was escorted to the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, 22 kilometres south of Seoul, after being questioned for over 10 hours at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in nearby Gwacheon. The questioning of President Yoon ended at 9:40 pm, the CIO said in a notice to the press.
Refusal to Answer Questions
Yoon refused to answer questions regarding his declaration of martial law on December 3, according to the CIO. He will be questioned further on Thursday before investigators file for a warrant to formally arrest him within 48 hours from the time they detained him at 10:33 am on Wednesday.
Charges and Defence
Yoon, the first sitting president to be arrested, faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power. He is accused of sending troops to the National Assembly after declaring martial law on the night of December 3 to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. The president has defended his declaration of martial law as an "act of governance" meant to send a warning to the main opposition Democratic Party over what he described as its abuse of legislative power.
Defiant Stance
In a recorded video message released after his arrest, Yoon remained defiant, saying, "Although it is an illegal investigation, I decided to agree to appear at the CIO in order to prevent ugly bloodshed." Yoon has consistently denied the legality of the CIO’s probe, noting the agency is not technically authorised to investigate insurrection charges.
Next Steps
Yoon’s lawyers have filed for a review of the legality of his detention with the Seoul Central District Court, not the Seoul Western District Court that issued the warrant for his detention. The choice of court was based on the knowledge that prosecutors will file their indictment with the Seoul Central District Court should they indict him. Although Yoon has defied the investigation, he has stated plans to appear before the Constitutional Court to defend himself there during a trial on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.
Legal Proceedings
The arrest followed hours of talks between investigators and Yoon’s side at his residence over how to detain him and take him away for questioning. Investigators used ladders to enter the presidential residence compound after being blocked by the Presidential Security Service, which set up a barricade using vehicles near the entrance. They were also blocked by a group of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party and Yoon’s lawyers at the entrance.
Public Reaction
Thousands of protesters for or against Yoon’s arrest had rallied outside the compound for weeks, with some camping out during the night in subzero temperatures. When news of Yoon’s detainment was heard, his supporters protested vehemently, hurling insults at the anti-Yoon ralliers and the "commie CIO." Some stood up to take their protest to the CIO office, and by 11:30 am, people were gathering on a sidewalk across from its entrance.
Conclusion
The detention and questioning of Yoon Suk Yeol mark a significant turn in the political crisis gripping South Korea. As the investigation continues, the country remains on high alert, with protests and counter-protests erupting across the nation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of Yoon and the future of the country hang in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Yoon Suk Yeol?
A: Yoon faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
Q: Why was Yoon arrested?
A: Yoon was arrested for his declaration of martial law on December 3, which was deemed unconstitutional.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with Yoon’s lawyers filing for a review of the legality of his detention with the Seoul Central District Court.