South Korean police call off attempt to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol
A dramatic six-hour standoff in South Korea has compelled police to call off an attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The military and Yoon’s security officers formed a human barricade and used vehicles to block the arrest team’s access.
Yoon is under investigation for abusing his power and allegedly inciting an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law in early December. This led to a political crisis, resulting in his impeachment by an opposition-led parliament and suspension from office. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for him after he failed to respond to three summons for questioning.
The situation escalated early Friday morning with police vans converging around Yoon’s residence in central Seoul. An initial arrest team of 20 quickly grew to about 150 officers but they remained outnumbered by Yoon’s security and military personnel. Despite half the arrest team gaining entry, they were locked in a standoff and unable to proceed.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) declared that the arrest was “practically impossible,” citing concerns for the team’s safety and Yoon’s refusal to comply with the legal process. Yoon’s supporters celebrated and chanted in front of the presidential residence upon hearing of the suspension.
Investigators have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant before it expires. This raises the possibility of renewed attempts although logistics may prove challenging due to anticipated crowds. The CIO has opened a criminal case against Yoon’s security chief and deputy summoning them for questioning.
Yoon’s legal team is contesting the warrant arguing that investigators lack the authority to detain him. The political turmoil in South Korea continues marked by wide rifts in parliament and ongoing protests. Since the martial law attempt on December 3, the opposition has intensified calls for accountability leading to Yoon’s impeachment on December 14.
On Friday morning, prosecutors also indicted army chief Park An-su and special forces commander Kwak Jong-geun on insurrection charges related to the martial law declaration. Both are set to face trial while in prison.
