Seoul: South Korea’s court extended a detention warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol after martial law controversy.
The initial warrant, which expired Monday, was reissued Tuesday by Seoul Western District Court following an investigative request.
Details of the warrant’s deadline remain undisclosed; typically, such warrants last seven days unless otherwise approved by judges.
Investigators, including the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), work with police and military to enforce the controversial detention warrant.
Tensions Rise Around Presidential Compound Amid Protests
Authorities attempted arresting Yoon Friday, but protests led to hours-long standoffs at the heavily secured presidential compound.
Pro-Yoon and opposition demonstrators clashed Monday near the compound while police monitored in high numbers to ensure safety.
Barbed wire and barricades were installed around the property, with vehicles blocking entrances, footage showed from local media.
Yoon has repeatedly ignored investigators’ summons, refusing to cooperate with inquiries surrounding insurrection allegations and potential impeachment proceedings.
Backlash and Legal Defenses Continue Against Actions
Yoon’s martial law order triggered massive public backlash, prompting even his own party to support impeachment efforts last month.
Despite widespread criticism, Yoon’s supporters insist measures against him are unlawful, fueling ongoing legal challenges and protests.
The CIO must use the warrant quickly, beginning a 48-hour questioning period once it is enforced by authorities.
Yoon’s team has filed objections, calling the warrant invalid, and moved to block its execution through Constitutional Court proceedings.
