South Korea in turmoil: Clash over president Yoon's arrest attempt
Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office attempted to forcibly enter the residence of the suspended President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, to execute an arrest warrant. They encountered resistance from his lawyers and security personnel.
Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) tried to forcibly enter the residence of the suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The goal was to execute a court-issued arrest warrant on January 7. This was reported by the Yonhap agency.
On Wednesday at 10:33 AM local time (8:33 PM EST), South Korean investigative services executed the formal arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol. A convoy of cars with the head of state departed from the presidential complex.
Officers from the Corruption Investigation Office among high-ranking officials (CIO) were blocked for several hours at the main entrance of the residence by a cordon organized by the Presidential Security Service (PSS), lawyers, and several members of the ruling People's Power Party, of which Yoon is a member.
The investigators arrived at the former president's residence and presented the arrest warrant. Jun's lawyers engaged in talks with the police, trying to ease tensions. Around 5:30 PM local time (3:30 AM EST), CIO officers attempted to forcibly enter the property, leading to minor scuffles. After a few minutes, the situation was brought under control.
According to the Yonhap agency, a group of police officers and investigators tried to enter the complex through other entrances, including from hiking trails running along the hill surrounding the residence.
Yoon's lawyers claimed the arrest warrant on charges of coup and abuse of power related to the declaration of martial law was "unlawful." The court issued a warrant to detain the politician on two occasions—on December 31 of last year and January 7 of this year. The situation remains tense, as investigators and police continue their attempts to execute the arrest warrant.
Support for Yoon
A few thousand supporters of the suspended president, who has been in hiding since December 12, gathered outside the complex. Among them were also members of the ruling People's Power Party, the party to which Yoon belongs.
Yoon's Suspension
President Yoon was suspended from his duties after declaring martial law on December 3. He revoked it six hours later under pressure from parliament and after South Koreans from Seoul took to the streets to protest the actions organized by the head of state.
An investigation is currently underway, but Yoon Suk Yeol has repeatedly refused to appear for questioning. In his absence, the duties of the president are being performed by Finance Minister Choi Sang Mok.
