Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has managed to avoid arrest following the expiration of a deadline, although anti-corruption investigators are expected to receive more time to execute the warrant.
The former prominent prosecutor has defiantly skipped questioning on three occasions concerning a flawed martial law decree issued last month, and continues to remain in his residence, encircled by hundreds of guards deterring his arrest.
Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office have requested an extension for the warrant that lapsed on Monday (3pm Irish time) and sought assistance from the police, which stated that they would assist and may arrest anyone assisting Mr. Yoon in evading capture.
“The validity of the warrant expires today.”
The formal request was submitted this evening, with an extension potentially being granted up to the midnight deadline.
If the warrant lapses, investigators can apply for a new one.
The deadline has passed without any remarks from either the investigators or Mr. Yoon; however, Mr. Jae-seung earlier informed reporters that the chances of the court denying the extension “are very low”.
Authorities have sought additional time and support due to the challenges they have encountered, including facing hundreds of security personnel when they attempted to enter Mr. Yoon’s presidential compound on Friday.
“We will consider the possibility of arresting any members of the Presidential Security Service during the execution of the second warrant,” a police official stated, choosing to remain anonymous.
A general view shows the presidential residence of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul.
The opposition Democratic Party has also advocated for the disbandment of the security service that protects the impeached president.
If authorities detain Mr. Yoon, who has already been suspended from his duties by MPs, he would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested.
However, they would only have 48 hours to either request another arrest warrant, allowing for his continued detention, or they would be compelled to release him.
While officials have struggled to reach Mr. Yoon, the joint investigative team has targeted senior military officials involved in the martial law initiative.
The prosecution’s martial law special investigation unit has indicted Defence Intelligence Commander Moon Sang-ho for his significant role in an insurrection and for abuse of power.
Defiant supporters
Mr. Yoon could face prison time or, at the worst, the death penalty if convicted of insurrection for briefly suspending civilian governance, plunging South Korea into its most severe political crisis in decades.
Nonetheless, both he and his supporters have remained resolute.
“We will protect the Presidential Security Service until midnight,” declared Kim Soo-yong, 62, one of the protest organizers.
“If they obtain another warrant, we will return.”
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather near his residence.
Earlier, several politicians from Mr. Yoon’s People Power Party appeared outside his presidential residence, while police cordoned off the streets.
“I’ve been here longer than the CIO now. It doesn’t make sense why they can’t carry it out.”
“They need to arrest him immediately,” stated anti-Yoon protest organizer Kim Ah-young.
The initial warrant was issued due to Mr. Yoon’s refusal to appear for questioning regarding his martial law decree.
His legal representatives have repeatedly described the warrant as “unlawful” and “illegal,” vowing to pursue further legal action against it.
Blinken in town
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Seoul but did not meet with Mr. Yoon.
However, he did hold a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.
Mr. Blinken commended Seoul’s democratic resilience, but his attention was diverted from domestic affairs when North Korea launched what seemed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile into the sea while he was with Mr. Tae-yul.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has scheduled 14 January for the commencement of Mr. Yoon’s impeachment trial, which may proceed in his absence if he does not attend.
A prosecutors’ report for his former defence minister revealed that Mr. Yoon ignored the objections of key cabinet ministers prior to his failed martial law attempt, evidence the court may consider.
The Constitutional Court has a period of up to 180 days to decide whether to dismiss Mr. Yoon as president or to restore his powers.
Former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye never appeared for their impeachment trials.
