South Korea investigators Seek Arrest Warrant for Impeached President Yoon Over Martial Law
South Korean law enforcement officials on Monday requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his brief martial law declaration on December 3 constituted rebellion.
The investigation has plunged the country into its most severe political crisis in decades, with Yoon facing potential criminal charges of insurrection, which carry penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Yoon, stripped of his presidential duties by parliament, awaits a constitutional court ruling on whether to confirm his impeachment. Investigators, comprising a joint team of police, defense ministry, and anti-corruption officials, submitted the arrest warrant application after Yoon repeatedly refused summonses for questioning.
In a 10-page prosecutors’ report, Yoon is accused of instructing military officials to use force, including shooting if necessary, to storm the National Assembly during his failed martial law bid. Yoon’s lawyers have rejected the allegations, labeling the arrest warrant request “unjustified” and arguing that prosecuting an incumbent president for abuse of power is legally impermissible.
The political turmoil intensified as Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed the role of acting president following the impeachment of Yoon’s replacement, Han Duck-soo. Choi now faces the dual challenges of navigating the political upheaval and addressing the aftermath of a devastating plane crash on Jeju Island that claimed 179 lives.
