South Korean police arrived at the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrest him for his short-term imposition of martial law. The attempted arrest sparked a confrontation outside the presidential residence as hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside, vowing to protect him.
The reports also suggested a brief confrontation between the Police officers who came to arrest Yoon. and the Presidential Security Service (PSS).
Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIO), which leads a joint team of investigators including police and prosecutors, arrived at the gates of Yoon’s compound around 7 a.m. Officials were able to enter the presidential residence facilities despite protests, news agency Reuters reported.
It was unclear whether the Presidential Security Service, which had previously prevented investigators with a search warrant from accessing Yoon’s office and official residence, would try to prevent his arrest. South Korean channels reported clashes as investigators and police clashed with presidential security forces.
As news spread of officials’ attempt to arrest Yoon, protesters began gathering near his residence in the pre-dawn hours, and their numbers rapidly increased.
“We have to block them with our lives,” said one protester.
Some chanted “President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people” and called for the CIO chief to be arrested.
Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection for his December 3 Martial Law Attempt That surprised South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and one of the region’s most vibrant democracies. An arrest would be the first of a sitting South Korean president.
Calling the developments “unlawful,” Yoon’s lawyer said they will challenge the move and said the agency’s efforts to detain Yoon were “reckless” and showed an “outrageous disregard for the law.”
Meanwhile, in another development on Friday, two South Korean military officers, including army chief Park An-su, who was named martial law commander, were charged after being detained by prosecutors who They are investigating charges of insurrection.
On December 3, Yoon, apparently frustrated that his policies were blocked by an opposition-dominated parliament, declared martial law and sent troops surround the National Assembly.
Parliament annulled the declaration a few hours later in a unanimous vote and accused Yoon himself on December 14, while South Korean authorities opened a criminal investigation into the events. Yoon has remained defiant, ignoring requests for questioning and vowing to fight to stay in office. A court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on December 31.
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