South Korea issues arrest warrant for impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol
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A South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yun Seok-yeol, who was impeached by parliament earlier this month over his failed attempt to impose martial law in the East Asian country.
Tuesday’s move marks the first time South Korea has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting president.
The Seoul Western District Court also issued a search warrant for Yoon’s residence at the request of the Corruption Investigation Office of Senior Officials (CIO), which is investigating the president for treason and abuse of power.
The arrest warrant, issued after Yoon Eun-hye ignored repeated summonses for questioning from the agency, marks the latest blow in an escalating political crisis that has raised concerns about the health of democracy in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
South Korea’s opposition impeached Acting President Han Deok-soo last week after he refused to appoint three judges to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to remove Yoon.
It was unclear whether the agency would execute the search warrants, which are valid until Monday. The information chief said there were plans to execute the arrest warrant, but there were concerns that the presidential security service could prevent the agency from detaining Yoon or searching his office under a law that prohibits searches of secret state sites without authorization.
After Yoon Eun-hye was impeached on December 14, the police tried to raid the Blue House, but were blocked. The presidential security agency said on Tuesday that security measures would be taken against the president in accordance with legal procedures.
Yin’s lawyer said the arrest warrant was “surprising and difficult to accept.” They added that the court’s move was “illegal and invalid”, arguing that the CIO had no authority to investigate high-ranking officials for treason.
Under South Korea’s constitution, the president enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution but does not apply to charges of rebellion or treason.
Yin has denied wrongdoing and vowed to “never give up” in the face of the accusations against him. He allegedly sent troops to the National Assembly to try to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law order, and he now faces a criminal investigation for possible rebellion.
Kwon Sung-dong, acting leader of Yoon Jeong’s ruling People’s Power Party, said on Tuesday that it would be inappropriate to detain a sitting president, state media Yonhap reported.
The main opposition Democratic Party called for Yoon’s immediate detention.
Mr Yin has been suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to fire or reinstate him. South Korea’s Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok temporarily took over presidential power after the impeachment of South Korea’s president.
The court is expected to rule by June, but the deadline is non-binding. If Yoon Eun-hye is removed from office, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.
