South Korea investigators request arrest warrant for Yoon over martial regulation

By Hyunsu Yim

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean investigators have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over this month’s short-lived imposition of martial regulation, an official mentioned on Monday, the primary time an incumbent president has confronted such motion.

Yoon has failed to reply to summons for questioning by police and the Corruption Investigation Workplace for Excessive-ranking Officers who’re collectively investigating whether or not his Dec. 3 martial-law declaration amounted to revolt.

Police have tried however did not efficiently raid the presidential workplace as a part of the investigation.

A Seoul courtroom will resolve whether or not to concern an arrest warrant following the request.

Rebellion is likely one of the few prices for which a South Korean president doesn’t have immunity.

Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the suspended president, mentioned the arrest request was “unfair” and the anti-corruption company has no authority to take action.

“Emergency martial regulation is throughout the president’s authority,” the lawyer instructed reporters exterior the Seoul Western District Court docket after submitting a written opinion in regards to the arrest warrant request in addition to a letter of appointment of legal professionals.

Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament over his resolution to briefly impose martial regulation.

Masked martial regulation troops geared up with rifles, physique armour and night-vision gear entered the parliament the place they confronted off with staffers who opposed them with fireplace extinguishers.

The decree lasted simply hours till the parliament voted it down and Yoon backed down.

The transfer shocked the nation, which has been a democracy for the reason that Eighties, brought about worldwide alarm amongst allies like the USA and buying and selling accomplice’s with Asia’s 4th largest financial system.

A Constitutional Court docket trial has commenced into whether or not to reinstate Yoon or take away him completely from workplace. It has 180 days to succeed in a call.

On Friday, the courtroom held its first preparatory listening to the place a request by Yoon’s legal professionals for a postponement in proceedings to higher put together was denied. The courtroom mentioned it will transfer swiftly.

The following listening to is due on Jan. 3.