South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Defies Arrest Warrant Amid Political Turmoil

KRKorea|

South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has resisted an arrest warrant issued by the country's anti-corruption agency, leading to a near-six-hour standoff at his official residence. The confrontation unfolded on Friday, when investigators attempted to detain Yoon but were blocked by his presidential security detail. This incident marks a significant moment in a political crisis that has seen two leaders impeached in less than a month.

The anti-corruption agency expressed regret over the situation, stating that their personnel faced scuffles with presidential security forces and described detaining Yoon as "virtually impossible" as long as he remains under their protection. A large group of pro-Yoon protesters gathered outside the residence in freezing conditions, pledging to defend him.

Yoon's legal team has argued that the arrest warrant is unenforceable at his residence due to laws protecting locations linked to military secrets. Furthermore, they claim that the leading agency lacks the authority to investigate rebellion charges. This clash comes on the heels of Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3, which has been met with significant political backlash and subsequent impeachment.

The National Police Agency plans to investigate senior members of the presidential security service for obstructing justice. Meanwhile, Yoon's legal challenges continue as the Constitutional Court deliberates on whether to uphold his impeachment. His fate now rests with the court, where at least six justices must vote in favor of removal for Yoon to be officially ousted.

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