An arrest warrant has been requested for President Yoon Suk Yeol, with accusations of insurrection and abuse of power following his brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
This is the first time an arrest warrant has been sought for a sitting president in the country’s history.
Yoon declared martial law, citing a need to counter “anti-state elements” and accusing the opposition Democratic Party of paralyzing the government. Troops stormed the National Assembly, but lawmakers quickly voted to annul the declaration.
His actions led to his impeachment on December 14, suspending his presidential duties.
A joint investigation team announced on Monday that they sought a warrant for charges of insurrection and abuse of power after President Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning.
Under South Korea’s constitution, police have the authority to arrest a sitting president if accused of insurrection, even while in office.
Yoon’s legal team argues the arrest warrant is unjustified, claiming the declaration was constitutional and that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power.
If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. A court decision on the arrest warrant is pending.
