Korean court upholds arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, January 5th, 2025

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Anadolu Agency

Seoul – A South Korean court on Sunday dismissed President Yoon Suk Yeol’s objections to an arrest warrant issued against him, local media reported.

The Seoul Western District Court rejected the legal team’s request to suspend the warrant, which remains valid until Monday. Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, indicated that they are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.

“The dismissal does not mean the warrant is legally valid,” Yun stated, hinting at further legal action.

On Friday, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials attempted to detain Yoon, but the president’s security forces blocked the move. His legal team has since announced plans to file complaints against officials involved in the attempted arrest.

Yoon, 63, faces charges of insurrection and treason after his controversial Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, which was followed by his impeachment on Dec. 14. Investigators have repeatedly sought to question him, but he has refused cooperation.

The Constitutional Court will now decide Yoon’s fate, with a trial set to determine whether he will be reinstated or permanently removed from office. The court’s ruling could take up to six months.

Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to face an arrest warrant and such serious criminal charges.