South Korea’s joint investigation unit announced on Monday that it has requested an extension of the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, following a failed attempt to detain him last week. Yoon faces serious charges related to his brief imposition of martial law last month.
The investigation team, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI), and the defense ministry’s investigative headquarters, filed the request with the Seoul Western District Court. The original arrest warrant was issued on December 31.
On January 3, investigators and police officers attempted to arrest Yoon at the presidential residence but were obstructed by the presidential security service. With the arrest warrant set to expire at midnight on January 6, authorities are pushing for more time to apprehend the impeached leader.
Yoon was impeached on December 14 by the National Assembly after declaring martial law on December 3—a move swiftly revoked by the legislature. The impeachment is now under review by the constitutional court, a process that could take up to 180 days during which Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
This unprecedented situation has captured the attention of the nation, especially among young South Koreans. Many are engaging in discussions about the future of their country’s leadership and the importance of upholding democratic principles.
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S. Korea's investigation unit seeks arrest warrant extension for Yoon
cgtn.com
