South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested, 1st in office to face detention
People take part in a candlelight vigil as they call for the resignation of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, S. Korea, Dec. 4, 2024. (AFP Photo)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early Sunday on charges of insurrection, becoming the first sitting president in the nation’s history to face detention while in office, local media reported.
The Seoul Western District Court approved the arrest warrant, citing sufficient evidence for the charges and the risk of evidence tampering, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Yoon is accused of declaring martial law on Dec. 3 and allegedly deploying troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from overturning his decree.
Following his arrest, Yoon could face indictment on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
‘Necessary for national stability’
Yoon, who can be detained for up to 20 days, denied any wrongdoing during a court hearing Saturday, asserting his actions were “necessary to preserve national stability.”
Critics, however, condemned the brief martial law as a desperate power grab amid protests over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
The Constitutional Court is still deliberating whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, approved by the National Assembly on Dec. 10. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Immediately following the official announcement, Yoon supporters occupied the Western District Court, seizing police shields and assaulting officers, the agency added.
