Seoul [South Korea]: South Korean authorities on Friday entered the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to execute an arrest warrant related to his failed attempt to impose martial law, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has until Monday to execute the detention warrant approved by a Seoul court. “We have begun executing a detention warrant for President Yoon,” the CIO stated in a notice to the press.
Efforts to arrest Yoon have been complicated by his supporters, who have gathered outside his residence, raising the likelihood of clashes with the Presidential Security Service. Observers have noted that attempting to detain Yoon over the weekend could increase risks of confrontation, while waiting until Monday would push too close to the deadline.
The arrest warrant stems from Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly on December 3 over his attempt to impose martial law. A Seoul court dismissed Yoon’s claims that the CIO lacked jurisdiction over insurrection cases and that the warrant was therefore invalid. The court also rejected his argument that personal safety arrangements had not been made for him as a former president, which he cited as a reason for missing questioning sessions.
Yoon’s impeachment was voted on by the National Assembly on December 14, with 204 members in favor, 85 against, and three abstaining. Eight votes were declared invalid. The secret ballot required a two-thirds majority of the 300-member assembly, which was achieved.
Following his impeachment, Yoon was suspended from office, and the warrant was issued as part of ongoing investigations into his attempt to impose martial law.