SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

South Korea's Ousted President Faces Arrest

A court in Seoul has approved the application for an arrest warrant against South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk-Yeol, reports Yonhap.

» Published: 31 December 2024

South Korea's Ousted President Faces Arrest
Photo: Lee Jin-man/AP/TT

Yoon is being investigated due to the fact that he declared a state of emergency in early December, which threw South Korea into political chaos.

The joint investigation team – consisting of, among others, the police, an anti-corruption agency, and the defense department – announced on Monday that they had applied for an arrest warrant since Yoon had ignored three summonses to appear for questioning.

However, it remains uncertain whether the investigation team can execute the arrest, as Yoon's security service had previously blocked house searches of both his residence and office, citing concerns that it could affect military security.

The investigators also carried out a raid on the office of the military's counter-intelligence on Tuesday, reports AFP.

Lawyer: Invalid

As president, Yoon Suk-Yeol has immunity from prosecution, but this privilege does not extend to charges of rebellion or treason.

Oh Donh-Woon, head of the investigation team, has previously stated that a court-issued arrest warrant cannot be stopped legally by the president.

However, Yoon Suk-Yeol's lawyer claims that the investigation team lacks legal authority to conduct the investigation.

"The arrest warrant, house search, and seizure order issued by an authority without jurisdiction are illegal and invalid," says lawyer Yoon Kan-Keun in a comment to AFP.

Valid for a week

The arrest warrant is valid for a week, until next Monday, writes Yonhap. Once Yoon is arrested, the investigation team must apply for another arrest warrant within 48 hours to continue holding him for further questioning, otherwise, he must be released.

Yoon's presidential powers were taken away from him since the national assembly voted on December 14 to put him on trial.

The process is being driven by the constitutional court, which will decide whether Yoon should be removed or reinstated as president.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Germany: Another Fatality after Christmas Market Attack
1 MIN READ

Germany: Another Fatality after Christmas Market Attack

Attack on bus in West Bank – three killed
1 MIN READ

Attack on bus in West Bank – three killed

Russia claims control over key small town
1 MIN READ

Russia claims control over key small town

Will there be peace in Ukraine this year?
4 MIN READ

Will there be peace in Ukraine this year?

North Korea fires missile ahead of US neighbor visit
1 MIN READ

North Korea fires missile ahead of US neighbor visit

Sources: Justin Trudeau Expected to Announce Resignation
1 MIN READ

Sources: Justin Trudeau Expected to Announce Resignation

Soldier investigated – hastily flown home to Israel
1 MIN READ

Soldier investigated – hastily flown home to Israel

South Korea: Police called in to arrest Yoon
1 MIN READ

South Korea: Police called in to arrest Yoon

Venezuela's Opposition: "That's Enough"
1 MIN READ

Venezuela's Opposition: "That's Enough"

Recruits to the Ultra-Orthodox Brigade Report for Duty
1 MIN READ

Recruits to the Ultra-Orthodox Brigade Report for Duty

Over 100 prisoners in Congo-Kinshasa have been executed
1 MIN READ

Over 100 prisoners in Congo-Kinshasa have been executed

Snow paralyzes parts of the USA
2 MIN READ

Snow paralyzes parts of the USA

Exile Politician Returns to Turbulent Mozambique
1 MIN READ

Exile Politician Returns to Turbulent Mozambique

Explosion at weapons depot near Damascus
1 MIN READ

Explosion at weapons depot near Damascus

Hamas reportedly approves list of hostages to be released
1 MIN READ

Hamas reportedly approves list of hostages to be released

Over 30 dolphins dead in Russian oil spill
1 MIN READ

Over 30 dolphins dead in Russian oil spill

Paasikivi: Uncertain Information about Ukrainian Offensive
2 MIN READ

Paasikivi: Uncertain Information about Ukrainian Offensive

Austria's President Opens the Door to the Far-Right
3 MIN READ

Austria's President Opens the Door to the Far-Right

Taiwan suspects Chinese ship of cable sabotage
3 MIN READ

Taiwan suspects Chinese ship of cable sabotage

Snow Chaos in Europe: Major Traffic Disruptions
2 MIN READ

Snow Chaos in Europe: Major Traffic Disruptions