The South Korean Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (CIO) has requested the police to take over the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol, according to the Associated Press. Last week, the CIO’s attempt to detain Yoon failed after a standoff with the presidential security service.
Today marks the deadline for the arrest warrant against Yoon. It remains unclear if the anti-corruption agency will make another attempt to apprehend Yoon before the midnight deadline.
Last Tuesday, a court in Seoul’s western district issued an arrest warrant for Yoon and a separate warrant to search his residence after he refused to appear for questioning over his brief declaration of martial law on December 3. Yoon has vowed to “fight to the end” against efforts to remove him from office.
Although the martial law lasted only a few hours, it caused significant unrest in the country. Yoon insists that his decision was not a power grab, accusing the opposition of holding the nation hostage and sympathizing with North Korea.
The opposition refutes this, labeling Yoon’s move as a coup attempt. Under martial law, he bypassed parliament and placed the media under military control.
Prosecutors claim that Yoon authorized the military to shoot if necessary to enter the parliamentary building. Ultimately, lawmakers narrowly managed to reverse the state of emergency.
Formally, Yoon remains in office until the Constitutional Court confirms an impeachment process, with uncertainty over whether the required majority exists.
Source: NOS