SEOUL, Jan 6 (UITV) – South Korea’s anti-corruption agency, called the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), has requested police to enforce a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The case is related to the president’s failed attempt to impose martial law. The information came to light on Monday, when the CIO sent an official letter on Sunday night, when the warrant had one day left to expire, Yonhap news agency reported.
The CIO’s move marks a serious incident in which President Yoon Suk-yeol is under investigation. In the letter, the CIO has asked for immediate cooperation from the police and also informed that it is conducting an internal legal review. A police official told Yonhap news agency that the CIO has requested their cooperation without any prior consultation and the police is investigating the matter thoroughly.
The case has been in the news since last Friday, when the CIO halted the enforcement of the warrant after an hours-long standoff at the presidential residence. The CIO and police have jointly launched an investigation into President Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law on December 3, which was against the constitution and democratic processes. The case also involves the Defense Ministry and the police’s investigation unit, which are investigating the attempt.
As of now, the CIO has two options – either try to detain President Yoon again or make a new request to extend the warrant. However, the letter sent by the CIO has caused discontent within the police. Sources say there are growing complaints that the CIO is now trying to shift its responsibilities to the police, whereas last time they passively executed the warrant.
President Yoon’s legal team has called the warrant completely illegal and invalid. They say the SIO is technically not authorized to investigate the rebellion charges President Yoon faces due to his martial law order. Yoon’s lawyers also claim the SIO does not have the authority to investigate such a sensitive matter against the president because it is contrary to the constitution and legal procedures.
Earlier, a Seoul court on December 3 rejected an injunction filed by President Yoon seeking to invalidate a warrant issued to search and detain the presidential residence. The Seoul Western District Court decided that there was no legal basis to invalidate the warrant. To this, Yoon’s lawyer said, “We will consider appealing to the Supreme Court.”
Earlier, on December 3, the court had issued a warrant against President Yoon in connection with the failed martial law attempt, ordering his detention and search of the presidential residence. This order is important because it raises questions about the possibility of the President abusing his powers.
The attempt to impose martial law is against the Constitution, as it can harm the democratic system and civil rights. In such a situation, there is a discussion going on across the country about the action of President Yoon. In this case, the lawyers defending President Yoon are claiming that this step was within the law and his attempt was not with any wrong purpose.
On the other hand, the CIO and other investigating agencies say that President Yoon violated constitutional procedures and if he is arrested, it will be a historic step, which will affect the future of South Korea’s democracy.
This case stands at a crucial juncture in South Korean politics, where on the one hand President Yoon is being defended, while on the other hand he is facing charges of corruption and violation of the Constitution. This situation can prove to be sensitive not only for the President, but also for South Korea, as it can affect the legal and political systems of the country.
Now in this entire matter, the court’s decision, the debate between the government’s side and the opposition and the discussion regarding following the democratic processes will be important.
