Yonhap news agency reported that the Seoul Western District Court (South Korea) on January 19 ordered the temporary detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of leading a rebellion and abusing power when declaring martial law on December 3. .2024. Mr. Yoon is also accused of dispatching soldiers to parliament to prevent lawmakers from voting to abolish martial law.
Protesters outside the detention center of Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol on January 18
The court ordered temporary detention on the grounds that Mr. Yoon could destroy evidence. With the above order, investigators can detain Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol for up to 20 days, including the number of days he has spent in detention since his arrest on January 15.
According to Yonhap, Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting president to be detained for such a long time in modern Korean history.
The convoy is said to be carrying Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol to the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, South Korea on the evening of January 18.
The Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIO) plans to transfer Mr. Yoon to the prosecution after 10 days. After that, the prosecution will investigate further and proceed with prosecution before the 20 days expire.
CIO officials said they will carry out the investigation in accordance with procedures and laws. Mr. Yoon’s lawyers said that the declaration of martial law was an official administrative action to help the country “overcome the crisis” and could not be held responsible by the courts. Mr. Yoon’s side accused the opposition of carrying out impeachment proceedings against cabinet members, obstructing legislation and unilaterally cutting the budget.
The wall outside the court in Seoul was destroyed in the early morning of January 19
Many supporters of Mr. Yoon demonstrated, smashing the windows and walls of the courthouse in protest after the verdict was announced. The crowd caused chaos, with people throwing plastic chairs, trash and other objects at police around the building.
Meanwhile, there were also protesters who supported Mr. Yoon’s arrest warrant. Police have mobilized hundreds of personnel to ensure security and order amid the protests.
If charged with rebellion and found guilty, Mr. Yoon could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
In addition, he was impeached by parliament and suspended from all positions from December 14, 2024. The Constitutional Court is considering his removal or reinstatement.
