South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Arrest
Background
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has sent a letter to his supporters, rallying them to continue their protests against his investigation. In the letter, Yoon said he would "fight til the end" to protect the country, despite facing an attempt by authorities to arrest him over his short-lived December 3 martial law declaration.
The Letter
Yoon wrote in the letter, which was sent to Reuters by Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer advising Yoon: "I am watching on YouTube live all the hard work you are doing. I will fight til the end to protect this country together with you." The letter was addressed to the estimated hundreds of supporters who have gathered near his official residence protesting his investigation.
Reactions
The opposition Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament and led the impeachment of Yoon on December 14, called the letter proof that Yoon is delusional and remains committed to complete his "insurrection". Party spokesman Jo Seoung-lae said: "As if trying to stage insurrection wasn’t enough, he is now inciting his supporters to an extreme clash."
Arrest Warrant
A court on Tuesday approved a warrant for Yoon’s arrest, which would make him the first sitting president to be detained as part of investigations over allegations he masterminded insurrection by trying to impose martial law. Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.
Investigation
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading a joint team of investigators that include the police and prosecutors, has until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant. It is unclear when and how it will make the arrest and whether the presidential security service, which has blocked access by investigators with a search warrant to Yoon’s office and official residence, would try to stop the arrest attempt.
Trial
Separately, Yoon’s trial on impeachment is being heard at the Constitutional Court. The court will hold the second hearing on Friday. Yoon has been suspended from presidential duties and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as acting president until the outcome of the trial. If the court upholds the impeachment and Yoon is removed from office, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.
Legal Challenge
Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the impeached president, said the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid because the CIO did not have the authority under South Korean law to request a warrant.
Indictments
A former defence minister who officials said recommended Yoon declare martial law has been indicted on charges of insurrection and will go on trial on January 16. Some of the top military officers commanding the defence of the capital, Seoul, have also been indicted for their alleged involvement.
Conclusion
The situation is developing rapidly, with Yoon’s supporters gathering near his official residence and the authorities preparing to execute the arrest warrant. The outcome of the trial and the potential arrest of Yoon will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason for Yoon’s arrest warrant?
A: The warrant was issued over allegations that Yoon masterminded insurrection by trying to impose martial law.
Q: What is the current status of Yoon’s trial?
A: The Constitutional Court is hearing Yoon’s trial on impeachment, with the second hearing scheduled for Friday.
Q: What will happen if Yoon is removed from office?
A: If the court upholds the impeachment and Yoon is removed from office, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.