Lawyers for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol were unsuccessful in their attempt to secure his release on Thursday after he was detained at his residence for questioning over rebellion allegations linked to his martial law declaration last month. Yoon was sent to a detention center near Seoul after more than 10 hours of questioning at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, during which he exercised his right to remain silent.
Yoon's lawyers argued that the investigation was illegal and sought his release, but the Seoul Central District Court denied their petition late Thursday. Yoon had evaded previous requests for questioning, leading to a major law enforcement operation to detain him at his residential compound in Seoul.
The anti-corruption agency, in a joint investigation with the police and military, is examining whether Yoon's martial law declaration constituted attempted rebellion. Yoon's lawyers filed complaints with prosecutors, declaring the raid at the presidential residence and subsequent detention as illegal.
Yoon's supporters rallied near the court and detention center, demanding his release. Yoon's attempt to break legislative gridlock by declaring martial law on December 3 triggered a political crisis, resulting in his impeachment by the opposition-dominated assembly on December 14.
The Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. Yoon's resistance to investigations into his actions led to his eventual detention after a standoff with authorities. If indicted on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, Yoon could face severe penalties under South Korean law.
Despite the legal challenges and public outcry, the situation surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol remains fluid as the country grapples with the aftermath of his controversial actions.
