The arrest of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol failed: initially a military unit prevented investigators from entering the grounds of the presidential residence, and later the president’s security service did not allow the officers to enter.
The South Korean police regret Yoon’s behavior and now want to consider further steps, reports Yonhap news agency. The court-approved arrest warrant is valid until Monday. The arrest warrant was issued because Yoon refused three times to be interviewed about his brief declaration of martial law. The Public Prosecution Service and a joint team of police, Ministry of Defense and anti-corruption bureau are investigating Yoon.
Yoon’s supporters protest the arrest warrant
Yoon’s lawyers called the arrest warrant “illegal,” according to Yonhap. In front of the president’s official residence, scores of Yoon supporters have been protesting his arrest since New Year’s Day and blocking access. Yoon’s supporters also gathered on Thursday to oppose the judicial representatives. The security service had recently denied investigators access to the presidential palace.
The background to the arrest warrant is an investigation into Yoon after he briefly declared martial law in a budget dispute with the opposition nearly a month ago. Parliament later voted for impeachment. The Constitutional Court is currently examining this decision.
South Korea entered a serious national crisis
Yoon is the first South Korean president to be arrested during a single term. After an arrest, investigators would have 48 hours to question Yoon and decide whether to apply for an arrest warrant or release the 64-year-old.
South Korea is in a serious state crisis. Current Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok is temporarily responsible for state affairs.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
