Mon Dec 30 03:48:02 UTC 2024: **South Korean Impeached President Faces Arrest Warrant**
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean authorities have requested an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, escalating the political crisis triggered by his short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3rd. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, alongside police and military authorities, is investigating Mr. Yoon on charges of abuse of power and inciting rebellion.
The warrant request follows Mr. Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with investigators and his blocking of searches of his offices. While presidential immunity shields him from some prosecutions, it does not apply to charges of rebellion or treason. The court’s decision on the warrant remains pending, and concerns exist regarding potential conflict if authorities attempt to detain him.
Mr. Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14th, stemming from the martial law declaration, led to the suspension of his presidential powers. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating on whether to uphold the impeachment. The short-lived martial law caused significant political turmoil, disrupted international diplomacy, and shook financial markets.
The impeachment also extended to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok. Mr. Choi is currently managing the aftermath of a recent plane crash that claimed 179 lives and has yet to address the vacancies on the Constitutional Court, which could impact the impeachment ruling.
Separately, several of Mr. Yoon’s top officials, including his defense minister and police chief, have been arrested in connection with the attempted enforcement of martial law. Allegations include attempts to block the National Assembly’s vote to end martial law and the detention of opposition figures.
Mr. Yoon maintains the martial law decree was necessary to counter what he described as an “anti-state” opposition. However, testimony from arrested military officials contradicts his claims, suggesting he ordered troops to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly. Further accusations involve unfounded claims of election rigging. The outcome of the Constitutional Court’s review, and whether the arrest warrant will be granted, will determine the ultimate fate of the former president.
First Piper 