Seoul: South Korean investigators have announced plans to request an extension for the arrest warrant of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, which is set to expire by the end of Monday. Lee Jae-seung, deputy director of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), confirmed the decision in a statement, stating, "The validity of the warrant expires today. We plan to request an extension from the court today, which requires stating the reasons for exceeding the standard seven-day period."
This development comes as investigators continue their efforts to arrest Yoon, who has been embroiled in a political crisis following his controversial martial law decree. Despite the imminent expiration of the warrant, Yoon remains defiant and holed up in his residence, protected by loyal security forces.
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Tense standoff and impeachment pressure
Yoon, a former prosecutor, has refused to cooperate with investigators on three separate occasions, leading to a tense standoff last month. During this failed attempt to arrest him, hundreds of his security personnel blocked the CIO agents, preventing their efforts to detain him.
With the warrant set to expire at 1500 GMT on Monday, the situation remains highly uncertain. Investigators are reportedly considering another attempt to arrest him, although both Yoon and his supporters have shown unwavering resistance. "The Presidential Security Service will protect the President, and we will protect the Presidential Security Service till midnight," said Kim Soo-yong, 62, one of the organisers of the protests outside Yoon’s residence. "If they get another warrant, we will come again."
Tensions are running high, with dozens of lawmakers from Yoon’s People Power Party arriving at the scene to rally behind him. Police have reinforced security measures, blocking roads in anticipation of more protests, which have continued despite sub-zero temperatures.
Anti-Yoon protester Kim Ah-young, in her 30s, expressed frustration, stating, "I've been here longer than the CIO now. It doesn't make sense why they can't do it. They need to arrest him immediately."
Legal challenges and growing political crisis
If the arrest warrant expires without action, investigators will need to apply for a new warrant. It is likely that a court would grant the request, as Yoon has consistently refused to emerge for questioning regarding his martial law decree.
Yoon’s legal team, however, has strongly opposed the arrest warrant, calling it "unlawful" and "illegal." His lawyers have vowed to pursue further legal action against the investigation. The head of Yoon’s presidential security service also reiterated that they would not permit investigators to arrest the suspended president, despite the looming deadline.
As the crisis continues, the political landscape of South Korea remains at a crossroads. The country is grappling with the unprecedented situation of either arresting a sitting president or witnessing his defiance against a court-ordered detention. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Seoul on Monday for talks with senior government officials, although he is not scheduled to meet with Yoon.
Impeachment trial set for January 14
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has scheduled Yoon's impeachment trial to begin on January 14, 2025. If Yoon fails to attend, the trial will proceed in his absence. A recent report on his former defence minister revealed that Yoon disregarded concerns from key cabinet members about the potential economic and diplomatic fallout from his martial law decision.
The opposition Democratic Party has called for the dissolution of Yoon’s security service, adding more pressure on the embattled leader. However, Yoon’s lawyers have promised to hold those involved in what they describe as illegal actions accountable.
Lawyer Yoon Kab-keun stated, "The president's legal team intends to hold those who committed illegal acts strictly accountable under the law." South Korea’s Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide whether to dismiss Yoon or restore his powers.
Agency
Published: 06 Jan 2025, 07:46 am IST
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