South Korean president arrested amid protests
Supporters of South Korean impeached and suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol took to the streets near his official residence in Seoul after a court approved his arrest warrant.
Waving placards, South Korean and US flags, protesters at the rally expressed their support for the embattled president, as well as their opposition to the arrest warrant, which was requested by investigators examining Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law.
Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament over his decision to briefly impose martial law on December 3, and is facing criminal investigation into possible insurrection charges.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials confirmed the Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant. This is the first ever arrest warrant issued for an incumbent president in South Korea, according to local media.
A South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been impeached and suspended from power over his decision to impose martial law on December 3, investigating authorities said.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials confirmed the Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant. This is the first ever arrest warrant issued for an incumbent president in South Korea, according to local media.
Yoon is facing criminal investigation into possible insurrection charges. Yoon has failed to respond to summons for questioning by police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials who are jointly investigating whether his martial-law declaration amounted to insurrection.
Police have tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation. Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity.
Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament over his decision to briefly impose martial law.
