South Korean investigators have suspended efforts to enforce an arrest warrant for embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, following a standoff at the presidential residence compound in Seoul. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) called off the enforcement citing safety concerns, although the warrant remains valid until January 6 and could be extended.
President Yoon is facing multiple investigations, including accusations of leading an insurrection, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. This is the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president in South Korea.
Yoon's refusal to cooperate with investigators led to the court approving the arrest warrant. Despite being impeached and stripped of presidential powers, Yoon's supporters gathered near his residence, displaying signs and flags in his support.
The main opposition party urged Yoon to cooperate with the warrant, emphasizing the importance of abiding by the law. Yoon's defense team has filed legal actions against the warrant, claiming it to be illegal.
If taken into custody, Yoon can be held for questioning for up to 48 hours. The ongoing impeachment trial and investigations have plunged South Korea into political turmoil, with the Constitutional Court handling the proceedings.
The court has pledged to prioritize the case and decide on Yoon's removal or reinstatement within the next six months. The emergence of new allegations surrounding Yoon's martial law declaration has further intensified the political crisis in the country.
