COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR SOUTH KOREA’S PRESIDENT YOON – Yoon is facing criminal investigation into possible insurrection charges
A South Korean court has approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been impeached and suspended from power over his decision to impose martial law on December 3, investigating authorities said.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials confirmed the Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant. This is the first ever arrest warrant issued for an incumbent president in South Korea, according to local media.
Yoon is facing criminal investigation into possible insurrection charges. Yoon has failed to respond to summons for questioning by police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials who are jointly investigating whether his martial-law declaration amounted to insurrection.
Police have tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation. Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity.
Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament over his decision to briefly impose martial law. The decree lasted just hours until the parliament voted it down and Yoon backed down.
A Constitutional Court trial has commenced into whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision.
Last week, the court held its first preparatory hearing where a request by Yoon’s lawyers for a postponement in proceedings to better prepare was denied. The court said it would move swiftly. The next hearing is due on January 3.
