Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested

In South Korea, former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested by the Seoul Western District Court on charges of "leading an insurrection" and "abuse of power." According to the Yonhap news agency, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) announced that the prosecution will prepare an indictment against Yoon within 20 days.

The South Korean Presidential Office criticized the court's arrest decision, arguing that it was a political move rather than a legal one.

TENSION IN FRONT OF THE COURT

Following the decision to arrest Yoon, his supporters held a protest in front of the Seoul Western District Court. During the support demonstrations, which were attended by approximately 44 thousand people, a group forced their way into the courthouse. Protesters broke windows and sprayed fire extinguishers at security forces. Police detained 45 people during the scuffle.

The police announced that they have established a 9-person team to investigate the protests, and it was stated that the detained protesters had also participated in previously held support rallies.

YOON CALLS FOR "PEACEFUL PROTEST"

Yoon Suk Yeol, who is in custody, called for "peaceful protest" in a letter written to his supporters. Yoon requested that the legal process be followed.

Yoon is being investigated for "violation of the constitution," "insurrection," and "abuse of power" on the grounds that he declared martial law on December 3, 2024. The National Assembly had requested Yoon's removal from office on the grounds that the declaration of martial law was unconstitutional, and Yoon was detained at the presidential residence on January 15.

Investigators took Yoon to the Corruption Investigation Office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, and interrogated him for more than 10 hours on the first day. It was learned that Yoon refused to testify and was later transferred to a detention center.

News Source: 12punto