In South Korea, police and judicial authorities unsuccessfully attempted for six hours to arrest former President Yoon Suk-yeol. An arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday after Yoon unexpectedly declared a military state of emergency last month, aiming to sideline parliament.
Despite being suspended, Yoon’s security team still holds responsibility for his protection. Dozens of officers entered the residence but faced confrontation with Yoon’s security, as negotiations failed, according to AFP.
Concerns for safety led the arrest team to withdraw, and police are now considering further actions. Yoon’s lawyers, present at the standoff, argued that he cannot be arrested at his residence due to a law prohibiting searches related to classified military documents.
The arrest warrant expires on Monday, and if detained, authorities have 48 hours to interrogate him and assess the grounds for extended detention. Thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered around the presidential grounds in Seoul, blocking police entry, resulting in multiple arrests.
Counter-protesters also demanded Yoon’s immediate arrest. Despite the suspension, Yoon remains formally in office as the Constitutional Court is yet to confirm the impeachment.
Since Yoon declared the military emergency, South Korea faces a political crisis. His party colleague Han Duck-soo was appointed interim president but was soon impeached by the opposition for allegedly stalling Yoon’s trial.
Choi Sang-mok has been acting president for the past two weeks.
Source: NOS