South Korean opposition parties have introduced a bill seeking an independent investigation into the brief martial law declaration made by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The bill, jointly submitted by six parties, aims to determine whether Yoon's martial law decree on December 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion.
The proposed investigation also includes looking into allegations that Yoon may have instigated tensions with North Korea to justify a power grab at home. Yoon's legal team and the South Korean military have refuted these claims.
Yoon is currently staying at his official residence in Seoul, where security measures have been heightened to prevent any potential detention efforts. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials has vowed to collaborate with law enforcement to detain Yoon, warning of possible arrests if security staff obstruct the process.
Yoon's lawyers have argued against his detention, citing concerns of sparking civil unrest. They emphasized the risk of a 'civil war' scenario if Yoon is forcibly taken into custody.
Thousands of Yoon's supporters and critics have been holding rallies near his residence, with tensions running high between the two groups. The opposition insists on an independent investigation due to perceived obstacles in previous probes.
A new bill proposes a special prosecutor be appointed through a process involving the Supreme Court's chief justice and Yoon's selection. Yoon's conservative party had previously opposed a similar bill, but the opposition remains hopeful for the new proposal's success.
Yoon's legal team has raised concerns over the legitimacy of a recent detention warrant and urged for a formal arrest warrant if necessary. The Constitutional Court is deliberating on Yoon's impeachment following the events of December 3 and subsequent political developments.
