South Korean Defense Minister attempts suicide

Investigations continue regarding the martial law declared by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3, which remained in effect for only six hours. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was alleged to have advised Yoon to declare martial law, has been arrested by a decision of the Seoul District Court.

SUICIDE ATTEMPT ALLEGATION

It has been announced that Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide while in custody. The court stated that the arrest warrant was issued due to the weight of the existing evidence regarding the charges and the risk of evidence tampering.

ARREST MOTION PASSED BY PARLIAMENT 

Kim Yong-hyun's arrest followed a motion for arrest approved by the National Assembly of South Korea. The motion was passed with 191 votes in favor and 94 against, following an initiative by the opposition. The motion had also requested the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol and eight other high-ranking officials.

RAIDS ON PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE AND POLICE HEADQUARTERS 

As part of the investigation, searches were conducted at the Presidential Office in the capital, Seoul, the National Police Agency, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The Yonhap news agency reported that the raids were carried out after National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced that the authority to investigate the martial law declaration had been transferred to parliament.

FIRST ARREST IN MARTIAL LAW INVESTIGATION

Kim Yong-hyun became the first official to be arrested by court order as part of the martial law investigation. It was stated that the prosecution has leveled charges of "aiding in the initiation of an insurrection" and "abuse of power" against Kim.

News Source: 12punto