South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Facing Arrest Warrant After Military Emergency Declaration
SEOUL – Prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his declaration of a military emergency that has sent shockwaves through the nation. This marks the first attempt in the country’s constitutional history to physically detain a sitting president.
"Joint Investigation Headquarters has requested an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol from the Seoul Western District Court," a statement from the investigation team revealed, as reported by AFP on Monday (30/12/2024).
Yoon, previously removed from his presidential duties by the parliament, is facing a potential life sentence to death penalty for treason charges. The constitutional court is currently deliberating on his impeachment.
Yoon’s drastic move has plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. The turmoil deepened last week when his successor, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by the parliament for failing to sign a bill for the investigation of Yoon.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, has been summoned for questioning three times but has failed to appear. A 100-page prosecutors’ report alleges that Yoon authorized the military to fire upon entering the parliament during the state of emergency.
The political instability in South Korea continues to unfold, with no clear resolution in sight.
