South Korea's anti-corruption agency has obtained a new court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a previous attempt was thwarted by the presidential security service. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials did not disclose the duration of the warrant, citing sensitivity as they plan its execution. Typically, warrants last seven to 10 days.
Last week, the Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant to detain Yoon and search his residence following his refusal to appear for questioning regarding a martial law decree issued on December 3. Despite a standoff with the presidential security service, a previous attempt to detain Yoon was unsuccessful.
The agency, in collaboration with police and the military, is considering charges of rebellion against Yoon for declaring martial law and surrounding parliament with troops. Yoon's presidential powers were suspended after impeachment on December 14, with the Constitutional Court deliberating on his removal or reinstatement.
Efforts to detain Yoon face challenges as he remains in his official residence, where security measures have been heightened. The agency is debating the potential arrest of security staff obstructing Yoon's detention. Yoon's lawyers argue against the enforcement of warrants at his residence, citing laws protecting locations linked to military secrets.
If Yoon is detained, investigators will seek court approval for a formal arrest; otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours. The legal authority of the anti-corruption office to investigate rebellion charges and delegate police for Yoon's detention is under contention.
