South Korean Authorities Fail to Arrest Impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol
Failed Attempt to Execute Arrest Warrant
South Korean authorities failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday over his martial law declaration, after evading a crowd of protesters outside his compound but coming to a stand-off with presidential security forces inside. The attempted arrest was the result of a court-approved warrant, issued after Yoon ignored multiple summons to appear for questioning.
Protesters Gather Outside the Presidential Compound
Yoon supporters gathered in the pre-dawn hours near the presidential residence, with the numbers swelling into the hundreds as they vowed to block any attempt to arrest Yoon. The protesters were determined to protect the President, and their presence created a tense atmosphere around the compound.
CIO Officials Arrive at the Compound
Officials from the corruption investigation office for high-ranking officials (CIO), which is leading a joint team of investigators into Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3, arrived at the gates of the presidential compound shortly after 7am and entered on foot. The CIO officials were accompanied by police, but they were met with resistance from presidential security forces.
Standoff Between CIO and Presidential Security Forces
Once inside the compound, the CIO and accompanying police faced cordons of presidential security service (PSS) personnel, as well as troops seconded to presidential security, media reported. South Korea’s ministry of national defence said the troops were under the control of the PSS. The standoff continued for several hours, with neither side willing to back down.
CIO Calls Off Arrest Effort
The CIO called off the effort to arrest Yoon around 1:30pm due to concerns over the safety of its personnel and said it “deeply regretted” Yoon’s attitude of non-compliance. “It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff,” the CIO said in a statement.
Yoon’s Lawyer Responds to Arrest Warrant
Yoon’s lawyer said in an earlier statement on Friday that execution of an invalid arrest warrant against Yoon is unlawful, and that they would take legal action, without elaborating. The lawyer’s statement sparked further controversy, with some calling for Yoon to be held accountable for his actions.
Next Steps Uncertain
The arrest warrant, approved by a court on Tuesday, is viable until January 6, and gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him. The CIO said on Friday it would review the situation and decide on possible next steps.
Conclusion
The failed attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol highlights the complex and controversial nature of his case. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what consequences Yoon will face for his actions.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk-yeol?
The arrest warrant was issued due to Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3, which is being investigated by the CIO.
* What is the status of the arrest warrant?
The arrest warrant is viable until January 6, and investigators must decide whether to request a detention warrant or release Yoon after he is arrested.
* What is the next step for investigators?
The CIO will review the situation and decide on possible next steps.