South Korean court orders official detention order of President Yoon
19/01/2025
A convoy believed to be carrying South Korea's indicted president, Yoon Suk Yeol, departed from a courthouse in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday. - Reuters Image
SEOUL: A court in Seoul issued a warrant to formally arrest South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over last month's failed declaration of martial law.
This marks the first time in history that a serving South Korean president has been detained, Yonhap news agency reported.
The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant on the grounds of concern over the possibility of tampering with evidence. Yoon faces charges of rebellion and abuse of power for declaring martial law on Dec 3 and allegedly deploying the military to prevent MPs from rescinding the decree.
With the warrant, Yoon will remain in custody for up to 20 days, including the period he has spent since being detained at his Seoul residence on Wednesday.
The Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIOs) will detain him for 10 days before handing over the case to the prosecution, which is expected to file formal charges before the deadline.
Yoon's lawyers argued that the military legal action was a legitimate governance decision to address the political crisis triggered by the sacking of opposition-led Cabinet members and the impasse in the legislature.
After the court's decision, a confrontation broke out between Yoon's supporters and the police, with protesters storming the court building and throwing objects at officers.
Meanwhile, Yoon's critics welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for the rule of law.
President Yoon's powers remain suspended pending the Constitutional Court's decision on whether to reinstate or dismiss him.
